What is zero FIR, know the rules for registering it under the new law and its benefits.

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New Delhi:

We all have heard and know about FIR. In case of any crime, first information report is filed. But there are many people who have either not heard about Zero FIR, or even if they have heard about it, they don’t know what Zero FIR is. Let us tell you that in case of crime the complaint registered in any police station is called Zero FIR. Many a times, in case of crime, the common man gets worried while making the rounds of the police station, as he does not have proper knowledge of the law. According to the new law, an FIR can be lodged at any police station. Whether or not the jurisdiction of the police station.

Also Read- How to lodge FIR at home after implementation of new law, know complete procedure here

Three new laws have come into force across the country since July 1, meaning that today, sections of the IPC, CRPC and IEA have become obsolete. This has now been replaced by the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Civil Protection Code and the Indian Evidence Act. A modern justice system has been established with the new laws, which include provisions like zero FIRs, online filing of police complaints, electronic means like sending summons through SMS and mandatory videography of the crime scene of all heinous crimes. Earlier zero FIR was registered even in the area where the incident took place, but now FIR can be registered anywhere.

What is Zero FIR, who can file it?

Zero FIR is same as normal FIR. The major advantage of this is that there is no jurisdictional hurdle. Generally the police register an FIR only when the case has taken place in a place under its jurisdiction. But in zero FIR the victim or a person who knows him can lodge an FIR at any police station. The police starts investigation based on it and later it is transferred to the police station of the concerned area.

After the implementation of the new law, any victim can now lodge a zero FIR in any police station in any crime case. Within 15 days it has to be sent to the original jurisdiction i.e. the area where the offense has been committed. The victim will also get a copy of the FIR. Now all the cases will be registered under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System Application (CCTNS) in every police station of the country.

Facility to register FIR online

Delhi Police has provided facility to register FIR online on its website. Under the new law, FIRs can now be filed electronically from anywhere. There is no need to go to the police station yourself. The e-FIR will be sent to the investigating officer for preliminary verification. The IO will decide whether the case is prima facie or not. FIR has to be lodged by sending information on e-mail within 3 days.

What are the benefits of zero FIR?

  • The police get information about the incident without any delay.
  • Important evidence can be saved from destruction in time.
  • Even if the matter is not within the jurisdiction, the police have to take immediate action.
  • The victim does not have to wander here and there for justice. Zero FIR can be filed anywhere.

Why is it called Zero FIR?

It is called a zero FIR because it does not mention any crime. Often it is very difficult to lodge a zero FIR as the police are very reluctant. In fact, several allegations have been made in the FIR with the intention of implicating each other in cases such as assault. That’s why the police want to avoid registering the case if it doesn’t belong to that jurisdiction.

When is a zero FIR registered?

Offenses are then divided into cognizable and non-cognizable categories. Serious crimes like murder, rape, felonious assault fall under the category of cognizable. Such crimes need to be reported immediately, so that swift action can be taken. In such cases, zero FIR needs to be registered. Zero FIRs are also filed in most rape cases, so that action can be initiated soon.

At the same time, there are crimes like fraud, cheating, forgery, assault, fighting, which do not fall under the category of very serious crimes. In such cases, FIR is not registered immediately. They are first referred to the Magistrate and further proceedings are initiated even after summons is issued.


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