Zero FIR: When Police Cannot Say “This Is Not Our Area

In everyday life, crimes don’t wait for you to reach the “correct” police station. Whether it is theft, assault, an accident, or harassment, the most important thing is to report the crime immediately, without wasting time. To solve this practical problem, the concept of Zero FIR plays an important role in our Judicial system. Herein, in The Kanoon Angle, we will discuss this issue

The concept of Zero FIR was introduced following the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, which was constituted after the horrific December 2012 Nirbhaya case. It was incorporated through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 to ensure that victims are able to report serious offences immediately, without being sent from one police station to another.

What Is a Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is an FIR that can be registered at any police station, regardless of where the offence actually took place. This ensures that a victim is not turned away simply because the incident did not fall within the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.

For example, if a person is travelling and becomes a victim of theft or assault in another city, they can still approach the nearest police station and request registration of a Zero FIR.

Why Is It Called “Zero” FIR?

It is called a Zero FIR because it is registered without assigning a regular FIR number at the initial stage. Instead, it is recorded and later transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction over the place where the offence occurred. That police station then assigns a regular FIR number and proceeds with the investigation.

The primary purpose is simple: no victim should be forced to run from one police station to another just to lodge a complaint.

However, the concept of Zero FIR is not to be used mechanically in every situation involving jurisdiction. In Ms. X v. State of NCT of Delhi & Others (W.P. (Crl.) No. 2949 of 2023), the Delhi High Court clarified that where any part of a cognizable offence occurs within the territorial jurisdiction of a police station, that police station is bound to register a regular FIR and proceed with the investigation. It should not avoid responsibility by transferring the matter as a Zero FIR merely due to overlapping jurisdiction.

The Kanoon Angle

Zero FIR is an important safeguard in criminal law that ensures quick access to justice and prevents delay in reporting serious offences. At the same time, courts have clarified that it must be used appropriately and not as a substitute for a regular FIR when jurisdiction is already established.

Ultimately, the system is designed to protect one principle above all: justice should begin the moment a crime is reported, not after procedural delays.

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