FIR Fail: Haryana’s New Police Portal Leaves Users Locked Out. What We Know So Far
The site’s dual login system — offering either a one-time OTP-based entry or a full sign-up requiring extensive personal details — has further complicated the user experience.
An ambitious upgrade to the Haryana Police website has instead become a source of digital distress for citizens across the state. Intended to make public services like e-FIRs, police clearance certificates, and character certificate applications more accessible, the newly revamped site is now riddled with technical snags, prolonged load times, and repeated login errors, according to a Hindustan Times report.
What was supposed to be a leap in digital policing is reportedly turning into a frustrating obstacle course. Users report that even after logging in with a mobile number and OTP, they are forced to repeat the same step just to access a First Information Report (FIR). “Even after logging in with a mobile number and OTP, you still have to re-enter the mobile number and OTP just to view an FIR,” the report quoted a resident. “There’s no clear option to download it either. It’s incredibly time-consuming.”
Login Protocols Trigger Backlash
The site’s dual login system — offering either a one-time OTP-based entry or a full sign-up requiring extensive personal details — has further complicated the user experience.
For those without a mobile phone or struggling with OTP delays, accessing even basic services has become nearly impossible. Users also complain that there’s little clarity on where or how to download essential documents, undermining the site’s goal of reducing in-person visits to police stations.
Authorities Acknowledge Glitches, Promise Fixes
Internally, officials reportedly admit there are problems, but say work is ongoing. A police officer stationed in Panchkula, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Hindustan Times that the National Informatics Centre (NIC) — the Government body responsible for IT infrastructure — was behind the revamp. “The technical glitches will be resolved soon,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, citizen activists have raised concerns over the growing digital divide this new system is exposing. “A public service website should always be simple and easily accessible to the general public. If it’s time-consuming and plagued with technical glitches, then its primary purpose of serving the citizens is clearly not being met,” said SK Nayar, president of the Citizens’ Welfare Association in Panchkula.
Intended Ease Turns Into Digital Struggle
The site overhaul may have been well-intentioned, but the on-ground experience tells a different story. What should have enabled fast, paperless access to police services has become a roadblock.
With citizens locked out of essential functions and no clear timeline for fixes, Haryana’s tech-powered policing push appears to be in urgent need of debugging.
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