13/07/2025
📜 *Zero FIR under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)*
• Zero FIR introduced on the recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee after the 2012 Nirbhaya case, it ensures prompt action without delay due to territorial boundaries.
• The concept of Zero FIR, aimed at ensuring prompt registration of crimes irrespective of jurisdictional boundaries, is a significant feature of criminal procedure in India.
• Section 173 of BNSS governs the registration of First Information Report (FIR), including the concept of Zero FIR.
• Any person can report a cognizable offence to the police, either orally or in writing or by electronic communication, at any police station, irrespective of the place where the offence was committed.
• The Zero FIR is recorded with a serial number "0" and subsequently transferred to the police station with jurisdiction for investigation.
📌 *Punishment for Non-Compliance*
• Police officers failing to register a Zero FIR for cognizable offences may face penalties under Section 199 (c) BNS (Public servant disobeying direction under law).
• It provides that Whoever, being a public servant, fails to record any information given to him under sub-section (1) of section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in relation to cognizable offence shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
📌 *Landmark Judgments*
*Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP, 2014 SC*
Supreme Court mandated compulsory registration of FIR for cognizable offences, laying the foundation for Zero FIR.
*State of Andhra Pradesh v. Punati Ramulu, 1993 SC*
Emphasized that police cannot refuse to register FIR on jurisdictional grounds.
*Satvinder Kaur v. State, 1999 SC*
Reinforced the concept of Zero FIR, allowing FIR registration at any police station.
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