Zero FIR & FIR in India under CRPC

In this article we will discuss about FIR and zero FIR as a type of FIR.

What exactly is FIR?

It is the information about the cognizable offence which is given to the Police officer. It is termed as ‘First Information’, and report of information will mean ‘First Information Report’. It is considered one of the important documents as it is against the cognizable offence which processes the criminal case. After the registration of FIR, investigation of the criminal case is taken up.

General Information about FIR:

• The person who is a victim or witness of the case or who has the knowledge of the case can lodge an FIR.

• Under section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 the procedure for filing an FIR is mentioned. If the person gives the information about the incident orally then the police have to write it down on the register which should be signed by him or her.

• The FIR can be filed in any police station or in the nearest police station where the offence was committed.

• The person who is giving the information have to mention the following:

• Person’s name and Address who is giving the information

• Date, Time and Location of the incident

• The details of the incident

• Name and description of the people who were involved in the incident.

• It is not necessary that an FIR can only be lodged by presenting physically before the Police rather it can also be lodged through Phone and E-Mail.

• The person filing an FIR can demand a copy of FIR from the Police for free of cost.

• Sometimes in some of the circumstances, after registering an FIR also the Police do not investigate it is because:

• The crime is not heinous in nature.

• The police do not have sufficient grounds to investigate the case.

• The reason for not investigating the case shall be recorded.

Apart from FIR, there is also the concept of ZERO FIR. So what is zero FIR Defined in CrPC?

Zero Fir means the new concept introduced as a type of FIR in police stations. Now another common question that would arise is what 0 FIR means ?

Nirbhaya’s  case has given rise to different amendments in the history of our judiciary and added to zero fir as a type of fir in police stations. This type of FIR has been shown in the movie ‘pink’.Now people are at least aware of what is the meaning of zero FIR?

Zero FIR meaning a FIR in which the investigation can take place without taking time and help in fast justice.

This is one of the types of FIR in India which can be filed in any Police station. It is irrespective of any kind of jurisdictional area but the main investigation will take place at the jurisdictional police station. The case is registered with the serial number zero then the case is transferred to the respective police station.

It is beneficial for serious and heinous crimes.

So zero type is the type of FIR  found in police station which would reduce the burden to find the right police station and remove the denial of justice.