What Happens When Multiple FIRs Involve One Dispute?
A single dispute can sometimes lead to more than one First Information Report, particularly when different parties approach the police with competing allegations. This situation can create questions about whether both FIRs can continue, whether the investigations should be combined and what remedies may be available to the parties involved. Indian courts have developed principles to deal with multiple FIRs. The central question is usually whether the FIRs concern the same occurrence or transaction, or whether they disclose genuinely distinct offences or events. The Supreme Court has repeatedly considered this issue. In T.T. Antony v State of Kerala , the Court held that a second FIR concerning the same cognisable offence arising from the same occurrence is generally impermissible. At the same time, later decisions have clarified that a counter complaint or rival version of the same incident can stand in appropriate circumstances. The position therefore requires a factual examinat...