Who registers the FIR after an arrest?

Under Section 31 of the PERA Force Laws, the Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO) plays a central role in the post-arrest process by being the authorized officer to register the First Information Report (FIR). This ensures that every arrest transitions smoothly into a legally documented case, maintaining transparency and procedural integrity.

The FIR serves as the official record of the offence, marking the beginning of formal investigation and prosecution. It includes details such as the nature of the offence, the person arrested, relevant evidence, and any articles or property linked to the violation. By assigning this duty to the SDEO, the law ensures that the registration of FIRs remains under the supervision of a senior enforcement authority, reducing the risk of errors, delays, or unauthorized actions.

This provision also reinforces accountability and chain of command within the enforcement structure. The Enforcement Officer or Investigation Officer may execute the arrest, but the SDEO’s role is to verify that the arrest was legally justified and to ensure that all subsequent legal steps — including the registration of the FIR — are completed as per the Authority’s rules.

The process highlights the PERA Authority’s emphasis on legal compliance and procedural fairness. Once the FIR is registered by the SDEO, it becomes the foundational document for the investigation phase, allowing Investigation Officers to proceed systematically with evidence collection and case development.

In summary, Section 31 of the PERA Force Laws mandates that the SDEO is the officer responsible for registering the FIR after any arrest. This legal framework strengthens oversight, ensures proper documentation, and upholds the credibility of enforcement operations under the Authority’s mandate. It is a key step in maintaining lawful, organized, and transparent enforcement procedures.