⚖️ Zero FIR: File an FIR Anywhere in India 🇮🇳
When a crime takes place, most people hesitate to go to the police station — especially if it’s not in their area.
But what many don’t know is that you can file an FIR anywhere in India, even if the offence occurred in another city or state.
This is possible because of a powerful concept in Indian criminal law called the Zero FIR.
💡 What Is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR allows any police station to register a complaint regardless of where the crime happened.
The FIR is initially numbered as “Zero” — meaning it doesn’t belong to any specific jurisdiction yet.
Once it is registered, it can later be transferred to the appropriate police station that has the territorial jurisdiction to investigate the case.
✅ Example:
If a woman from Delhi faces harassment in Mumbai, she can file a Zero FIR at any police station in Delhi.
That FIR will then be forwarded to the concerned Mumbai police station.
🧾 Why Was Zero FIR Introduced?
The concept of Zero FIR was introduced to ensure that no victim is denied justice due to jurisdictional boundaries or procedural delays.
It plays a crucial role in cases like:
- 🚨 Sexual assault or domestic violence
- 🧳 Crimes committed during travel
- 💥 Accidents or emergencies where immediate action is needed
The idea is simple: Justice should not wait.
📜 Legal Basis for Zero FIR
The concept of Zero FIR stems from the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which amended Section 154 of the CrPC.
It was one of the key reforms recommended by the Justice Verma Committee, following the Nirbhaya case (2012).
This reform made it mandatory for police to register an FIR immediately once information about a cognizable offence is received — regardless of jurisdiction.
👮 What To Do If Police Refuse To File It
If a police officer refuses to register a Zero FIR:
- ✉️ Write directly to the Superintendent of Police (SP) under Section 154(3) CrPC
- 📬 Send a written complaint by registered post
- ⚖️ Approach the Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC to order registration of the FIR
🧠 Key Takeaways
- 📍 You can file an FIR at any police station in India
- 🔢 It is known as a Zero FIR, numbered “0” until transferred
- 🚫 Police cannot refuse to register a cognizable offence
- ⚖️ The system ensures justice without boundaries
🌍 Why Zero FIR Matters
Zero FIR is not just a procedural rule — it is a citizen’s right.
It empowers victims, saves time, and makes justice more accessible, especially in urgent cases.
🕊️ “Justice must be available — wherever you are.”
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💬 Frequently Asked Questions on Zero FIR
It is given the number “0” and later transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction over the area of the offence.
This ensures that victims get immediate help without worrying about jurisdictional issues.
The police are legally bound to register it as a Zero FIR and then transfer it to the appropriate jurisdiction for investigation.
A Zero FIR, on the other hand, can be filed anywhere — it’s given number “0” and later sent to the correct station.
Both have the same legal validity and must be investigated promptly.
– ✉️ Write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) under Section 154(3) CrPC
– 📬 Send a written complaint by registered post
– ⚖️ Approach a Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC to order the registration of the FIR
Justice Verma Committee. It became law through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013,
which modified Section 154 of the CrPC to allow FIRs to be registered anywhere.
Once transferred to the correct jurisdiction, it becomes a regular FIR and investigation proceeds normally.
Courts treat both equally in evidence and procedure.
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