Zero FIR & e‑Zero FIR Explained: File an FIR from Anywhere in India
LEGAL RIGHTSFIRE-FIRCRPCFEATURED
What is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR empowers any person to register a police complaint at any police station in India—regardless of where the crime actually took place. The FIR is numbered as “Zero” to signify that it does not belong to that station’s jurisdiction. Once filed, the FIR is transferred to the relevant police station for investigation without delay.
Why Does Zero FIR Exist?
Before Zero FIR was introduced, victims were frequently turned away from police stations if the incident didn’t fall within that station’s territorial jurisdiction. This led to delays, harassment, and denial of justice—especially in urgent cases like sexual assault or kidnapping.
In response to the Nirbhaya case, the Justice Verma Committee (2013) recommended Zero FIR. The Supreme Court, in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014), made it mandatory for police to register FIRs immediately for cognizable offenses, regardless of jurisdiction.
This is now backed by Sections 154 and 156(2) of the CrPC, which mandate immediate FIR registration and allow transfer to the competent police station.
What is e‑Zero FIR?
To modernize FIR registration, especially in cybercrime cases, the Delhi Police launched a pilot e‑Zero FIR system in May 2025.
This initiative allows victims of cyber-frauds over ₹10 lakh to file complaints via:
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
The 1930 national cybercrime helpline
Once submitted, the FIR is auto-generated at the e‑Crime Police Station in Delhi and routed digitally to the relevant cybercrime unit within 72 hours.
This system is a technological upgrade—eliminating jurisdictional friction, delays, and the need for physical presence (except at finalization stage).
🧾 Zero FIR vs e‑Zero FIR – Quick Comparison
How to File a Zero FIR
For any cognizable offense:
Go to any nearby police station.
Explain the crime clearly.
Ask for a Zero FIR to be filed.
Take a copy of the FIR.
It will be forwarded to the appropriate station.
How to File an e‑Zero FIR
For cyber frauds above ₹10 lakh:
File your complaint on https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
The complaint is routed to the Delhi e‑Crime Station.
An FIR is automatically generated and sent to your local cybercrime unit.
You may need to visit the police station later to finalize the FIR in person.
If Police Refuse to File an FIR
Refusal to register a FIR is illegal. Here’s what you can do:
File a complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) under Section 154(3) CrPC
Approach a Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC to direct FIR registration
Under Section 166A IPC, refusal to register FIR in a cognizable case is punishable
Common Misconceptions
❌ “Zero FIR is only for rape cases.”
👉 False. It applies to all cognizable offenses.❌ “Police can refuse to file it.”
👉 Illegal. Refusal is a punishable offense.
Helpline Support
1930: National cybercrime helpline (bilingual)
NCRP: cybercrime.gov.in – online reporting
Local police stations are also legally obligated to accept Zero FIRs
Final Thoughts
Zero FIR and its digital counterpart, e‑Zero FIR, are powerful steps toward equal access to justice. They eliminate jurisdiction barriers and offer victims a faster, streamlined path to seek help. Awareness is key—because your right to justice should never depend on your location.
Disclaimer:
This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Bibliography & Another Reading
“Zero FIR Explained” – Metalegal
Zero FIRs: Explained – Mondaq
“Zero FIR: A Step Towards Accessible Justice in India” – LegalShots
MHA Advisory on FIR Registration (2013)
NCRP e‑Zero FIR Pilot – The Economic Times
e‑Zero FIR pilot details – Hindustan Times, India Today, Indian Express
Supreme Court guidance in Lalita Kumari v. UP
Circulars by Karnataka & Delhi High Courts