Zero FIR | UPSC

Zero FIR
News
Zero FIRs filed in Manipur
What
Definition
First information report (FIR)
Report filed by a police
For an offence in another station's jurisdiction
Not defined in laws
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973
Defined in police regulations
Information recorded under Section 154 of CrPC
Every information related to cognizable offence
Reduced to writing by officer or under officer's direction
Read over to the informant
Signed by the person giving it
Entered in a book by officer in prescribed form
Important elements
Relates to cognizable offence
Given orally or in writing to station head
Written and signed by informant
Key points recorded in daily diary
Why
Prevent victim from running pillar to post
Ensure speedy redressal to the victim
How
Police station registers FIR
Transfers the case for further investigation
Regular FIR number isn't given
Relevant station registers a fresh FIR after receiving zero FIR
Who
Provision recommendation
Justice Verma Committee
Justice Verma Committee
Formed after 2012 Delhi rape case
To suggest amendments to Criminal Law
Enable faster trial and enhanced punishment
For criminals accused of sexual assault against women

Zero FIR has been filed in Manipur.

This topic of “Zero FIR” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is a Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police for an offense that falls under another police station’s jurisdiction.
The term “Zero FIR” is not explicitly defined in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 but is governed by police regulations.
It is recorded under Section 154 of CrPC, and it includes all information related to a cognizable offense.

Important Elements of Zero FIR

Relates to a cognizable offense, which allows for immediate arrest without a warrant.
Can be given orally or in writing to the police station head.
Must be written and signed by the informant.
Key points are recorded in the daily diary of the police station.

Why Zero FIR is Necessary

Prevents victims from running from one police station to another to file the FIR for the same offense.
Ensures speedy redressal to the victim by initiating the investigation immediately.

How Zero FIR Works

The victim can approach any police station to file the Zero FIR, regardless of the jurisdiction.
The police station that receives the Zero FIR registers it and begins the initial investigation.
The case is then transferred to the relevant police station where the offense took place.
The receiving station registers a fresh FIR with a regular FIR number after receiving the Zero FIR.

Who Advocated for Zero FIR?

The provision for Zero FIR was recommended by the Justice Verma Committee, which was formed after the 2012 Delhi rape case.
The Justice Verma Committee aimed to suggest amendments to Criminal Law to enable faster trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of sexual assault against women.

Conclusion

Zero FIRs play a crucial role in the Indian criminal justice system, ensuring prompt action and redressal to victims of cognizable offenses. By allowing FIRs to be filed in any police station, the Zero FIR provision prevents unnecessary delays and ensures a more efficient investigation and resolution of criminal cases.