Zero FIR

 

• Recently, police in Telangana registered zero FIR against a former minister for making objectionable remarks against the Chief Minister.

1. Zero FIR, a concept introduced after the brutal Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi in 2012.

What is Zero FIR?

1. Zero FIR is a first investigation report (FIR) that is filed regardless of the crime location.
2. Its objective is to ensure speedy redressal of complaints and remove judicial hurdles faced by victims of crime.
3. Under Zero FIR, the police are legally bound to initiate investigation immediately without making the excuse of lack of jurisdiction.

Key Features of Zero FIR:

1. Irrespective of Jurisdiction: Zero FIR allows victims to file a complaint at any police station regardless of the location of the crime. This provision ensures that victims do not have to run from one police station to another to lodge their complaint.
2. Transfer of Case: After registration, the Zero FIR is transferred to the police station which has actual jurisdiction over the case. This transfer ensures that the investigation is conducted by the appropriate authorities.
3. Objective: The primary objective of Zero FIR is to provide quick resolution to the victims of crime. By removing jurisdictional barriers, victims can get timely help and support from law enforcement agencies.

There are many types of FIRs, including:

1. General FIR: The most common type of FIR, filed at the nearest police station to report various offenses such as theft, robbery, assault, vandalism, etc.
2. Cross FIR: If both parties lodge FIR against each other regarding the same incident
3. Multiple FIR: When aggrieved persons/parties make multiple FIR for the same incident or cause.

The police cannot refuse to file the FIR, and delay does not matter. For FIR about certain offences (molestation, sexual harassment, stalking, eve-teasing, acid attack, and rape), a woman police officer should record your FIR, as far as possible.

What is an FIR?

First Information Report (FIR) refers to the information recorded by a police officer on duty based on a complaint or statement provided by the victim or any other person in relation to a cognizable offence. Although not clearly defined in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, the term "First Information Report" is commonly used in police rules and regulations, information recorded under Section 154 of CrPC is known as First Information Report (FIR).

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