Zero FIR in India: What is it, who can file, and how is it different from regular FIR

A Zero FIR has once again come into focus after a complaint was registered against a Noida girl over alleged objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that on July 23, the accused used "abusive and objectionable" language against the Prime Minister during the protest, allegedly hurting the dignity of the constitutional office of the Prime Minister.

While condemning the registration of the FIR, Saurav Das, one of the spokespersons for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led the agitation at Jantar Mantar, mentioned that the accused in the case was 25 years old. However, later, in an apology video posted by the accused herself, she claimed that she was only 15 years old.

India Today Digital could not independently verify her age.

Since the police complaint against the girl was initially registered as a Zero FIR before being transferred to the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction, the case has renewed public interest in what a Zero FIR is and how it works.

So, what exactly is a Zero FIR, when can it be filed, and how is it different from a regular FIR? Here's an explainer.

WHAT IS A ZERO FIR?

A Zero FIR (First Information Report) is an FIR that can be registered at any police station in India, irrespective of where the alleged offence took place.

Instead of directing the complainant to another police station, the receiving police station registers the complaint immediately and later transfers it to the police station that has territorial jurisdiction to investigate the case.

Also read: FIR against woman over objectionable remarks on PM at Jantar Mantar protest

The purpose is to ensure that victims do not lose valuable time in reporting a cognisable offence.

WHY IS IT CALLED A ZERO FIR?

It is called a Zero FIR because it is initially registered with a temporary "zero" serial number rather than a regular FIR number.

Once the complaint reaches the police station that has jurisdiction over the case, it is assigned a regular FIR number and the investigation proceeds as per law.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL BASIS OF A ZERO FIR?

The concept of Zero FIR arises from the police's duty to register complaints relating to cognisable offences.

Earlier, this obligation was governed by Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the corresponding provisions continue to require police to register information relating to cognisable offences without unnecessary delay.

The concept gained widespread recognition after the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, constituted following the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The committee emphasised that victims should not be turned away simply because the crime occurred outside a police station's jurisdiction.

WHEN CAN A ZERO FIR BE FILED?

A Zero FIR can be registered for any cognisable offence, where the police have the authority to investigate without prior approval from a magistrate.

These offences include:

• Murder

• Rape and sexual assault

• Kidnapping

• Cognisable cases of domestic violence

• Rioting

• Serious road accidents

• Other grave criminal offences

Although a Zero FIR can be used for any cognisable offence, it is most commonly associated with serious and urgent cases where immediate police intervention is necessary.

ZERO FIR VS REGULAR FIR: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

The primary difference lies in jurisdiction.

Zero FIR

Can be registered at any police station, regardless of where the offence occurred.
Is transferred later to the police station having territorial jurisdiction.

Regular FIR

Is registered directly at the police station where the alleged offence took place or which has jurisdiction over the matter.

Once registered, both carry the same legal value. The distinction is purely procedural.

CAN THE POLICE REFUSE TO REGISTER A ZERO FIR?

For cognizable offences, the police are generally expected to register the complaint even if the alleged incident occurred outside their jurisdiction.

The complaint can then be transferred to the appropriate police station for further investigation. Refusing to register a cognizable offence solely because of jurisdiction goes against the purpose of the Zero FIR mechanism.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF A ZERO FIR IS REFUSED?

If a police station refuses to register a Zero FIR in a cognizable case, a complainant may:

• Approach the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

• Submit a written complaint by post or email to senior police officials.

• Use online complaint or e-FIR portals, where available.

• Seek appropriate legal remedies if necessary.

HOW QUICKLY IS A ZERO FIR TRANSFERRED?

After registration, the Zero FIR is generally forwarded to the police station with territorial jurisdiction as promptly as possible so that the investigation can begin without delay.

Many police guidelines recommend transferring the complaint within 24 hours, although administrative timelines may vary across states and depending on the circumstances of the case.

WHY IS A ZERO FIR IMPORTANT?

The provision plays a crucial role in ensuring timely access to justice by:

• Preventing delays caused by jurisdictional disputes.

• Allowing immediate police intervention in emergencies.

• Helping preserve evidence.

• Making it easier for victims, particularly women, children and vulnerable persons, to report serious crimes.

• Strengthening access to the criminal justice system.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the legal framework governing FIR registration in India. The referenced case is under investigation, and all allegations remain subject to due legal process.