Zero FIR

A Zero FIR is an FIR registered by a police station even when the alleged cognizable offence occurred outside its territorial jurisdiction. It is ordinarily assigned a temporary zero number and transferred to the police station having jurisdiction. The word “zero” does not reduce its legal validity or make it merely a complaint.

Statutory basis

Under Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, information concerning a cognizable offence may be given to a police station irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. Information may be given orally or electronically, subject to the prescribed recording and authentication requirements.

• The statutory rule prevents the police from refusing registration solely because the incident occurred outside their territorial limits.
• Zero FIR concerns information disclosing a cognizable offence; non-cognizable cases follow the separate procedure under Section 174.

Legal effect in criminal procedure

A Zero FIR sets the criminal process in motion without requiring the informant to first identify the territorially competent police station. After registration, it is transferred to the appropriate station, which assigns its regular number and proceeds according to law.

• Transfer does not erase the original report or convert it into a fresh FIR; procedural continuity is maintained.
• It permits prompt steps such as preserving electronic records, securing evidence and responding to immediate risks before delay causes prejudice.
• Like any FIR, it is not substantive proof of guilt; its evidentiary use is governed by the ordinary rules applicable to FIRs.

Remedy against refusal

If the officer in charge refuses to record the information, Section 173(4) permits the aggrieved person to send its substance to the Superintendent of Police and thereafter approach the Magistrate. Territorial jurisdiction alone is therefore not a lawful ground for denying registration of information disclosing a cognizable offence.

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