India, March 24 -- Punjab Police has decided to charge Rs.80 for downloading first information reports (FIRs) from its digital portals, a service that was earlier free, an officer aware of the matter said on Monday. The decision has triggered criticism from legal experts and activists, who said that the decision runs contrary to the spirit of transparency. The new system came into effect on Monday following a notification by the state government's Department of Good Governance and Information Technology. Officials clarified only the complainant can obtain a free copy, and that too strictly from the concerned police station. Deputy superintendent of police Prabjot, who is in-charge of the implementation of the direction, said, "Even police personnel will have to pay Rs.80 if they download any FIR. If the complainant downloads it online, they will also have to pay. There's no exemption for anyone." P7...