What Is Zero FIR? Can Any Police Station Register FIR?

People often hesitate to approach the police because they are unsure
which police station has jurisdiction.
To remove this difficulty, the concept of Zero FIR was introduced.

Zero FIR ensures that access to justice is not delayed
merely because of territorial technicalities.

What Is a Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is an FIR that can be registered
at any police station,
irrespective of where the offence took place.

It is called “Zero FIR” because it is initially recorded
with the serial number zero,
before being transferred to the appropriate police station.

Why Was the Concept of Zero FIR Introduced?

Zero FIR was introduced to:

• Ensure immediate registration of serious complaints
• Avoid delay due to jurisdiction confusion
• Protect victims in urgent situations
• Prevent denial of police assistance

The focus is on speed and accessibility,
not on technical boundaries.

Can Any Police Station Register a Zero FIR?

Yes.

Any police station can register a Zero FIR
if information regarding a cognizable offence is provided.

The police station is required to:

• Register the FIR immediately
• Record the basic facts of the offence
• Transfer the FIR to the police station having jurisdiction

The complainant does not have to visit multiple police stations.

In What Situations Is Zero FIR Commonly Used?

Zero FIR is especially useful in cases involving:

• Serious offences requiring immediate action
• Crimes committed across different locations
• Situations where the victim is unaware of jurisdiction
• Cases involving urgency or vulnerability

Is Zero FIR Different From a Regular FIR?

In substance, no.

A Zero FIR has the same legal value as a regular FIR.
The only difference lies in the place of registration.

Once transferred, it is treated as a normal FIR
by the police station having jurisdiction.

Can Police Refuse to Register a Zero FIR?

Police are expected to register a Zero FIR
when information about a cognizable offence is given.

Refusal solely on the ground of lack of jurisdiction
defeats the very purpose of Zero FIR.

Remedies are available if police refuse to register it.
(These will be discussed separately.)

What Happens After a Zero FIR Is Registered?

After registration:

• The FIR is forwarded to the competent police station
• The receiving police station assigns a regular FIR number
• Investigation proceeds as per law

The complainant’s rights remain the same.

Key Takeaway

Zero FIR ensures that no complaint is ignored due to jurisdiction issues.

Any police station can register it,
and the responsibility of transfer lies with the police — not the complainant.

This article is written by the academic team at Delhi Law Academy, Jaipur, for general legal awareness.

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