Knowing everything about Zero FIR

The term “Zero FIR” denotes a First Information Report registered with a “0” case number at any police station, irrespective of the location where the crime occurred. This provision arose from the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee following the 2012 Nirbhaya tragedy, aiming to eliminate jurisdictional delays in registering FIRs.

Purpose & Legal Implications

●        Jurisdictional accessibility: Victims, particularly those of rape, murder, and other grave offences, can report crimes at the nearest police station without jurisdictional constraints.

●        Prompt procedural initiation: The police are legally obliged to register the Zero FIR immediately and initiate the investigation, diminishing evasion and evidence loss.

●        Transfer protocol: Once lodged, the Zero FIR is forwarded to the police station with territorial jurisdiction, which then converts it into a correctly numbered FIR and continues the investigation.

As legal counsel, one must inform clients that:

●        Zero FIR is their right under the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), ensuring immediate redressal.

●        Filing is straightforward; the process mirrors that of a regular FIR, with the only difference being the initial numbering.

●        Refusal to register constitutes official misconduct. Clients have recourse under Section 166A IPC or can escalate under CrPC Section 156(3) to compel FIR registration.

●        Importance of quick action: Legal advisors should encourage clients to report promptly at any station to trigger police responsibility and safeguard evidence.

●        Monitor the transfer: Counsel should track when the Zero FIR converts into a territorial FIR, ensuring continuity and accountability in the investigation.

Conclusion

The Zero FIR framework marks a transformative step in victim-focused policing, bridging jurisdictional gaps and empowering complainants. For legal practitioners, this reinforces the duty to counsel clients to file FIRs without delay, hold the police accountable, and strategically navigate transfers and investigation timelines. The Zero FIR is not merely procedural; it is a critical tool for justice delivery.