What is Zero FIR Means? The Zero FIR meaning is quite relatable to the FIR. So, first, see What is FIR? and What is Zero FIR?
We all are aware of the term 'FIR' whereas you may don't know the meaning of the term 'Zero FIR'. Let's see the meaning of FIR and then the meaning of Zero FIR in brief.
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| What is Zero FIR? |
What is FIR?
An FIR is lodged as a complaint by the informant where the incident has occurred in an area in which the police station has jurisdiction. The main purpose and object of lodging an FIR in a police station in which jurisdiction the incident occurred is to conduct the investigation.
As per section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, An FIR is that whenever an informant comes to the police station and submits his/her complaint of any offence committed, the information is written by the police officer and therefore, keeps the record registered in the bok as per direction of the State Government.
What is Zero FIR Meaning?
The Zero FIR is much more relatable to the FIR. The only difference between the FIR and Zero FIR is that an FIR is lodged in a police station in which the jurisdiction the incident occurred and whereas, the Zero FIR is lodged in any police station irrespective of in which jurisdiction the incident has happened.
For example, If a crime happened in New Delhi then the FIR can be lodged only in the police station in the jurisdiction of New Delhi. But, the Zero FIR can be filed in any of the police stations irrespective of jurisdiction which means the zero FIR can be lodged in Harayana when the incident happened in New Delhi.
Who can Lodge Zero FIR?
Who registers the FIR? The Zero FIR can be lodged by the victim itself, a family member of the victim or a relative or any other person who can lodge a complaint on behalf of the victim person who has the information about the facts relating to the incident of an offence.
Objectives of Zero FIR
Zero FIR is more efficient and effective as compared to inconvenience while lodging FIR in the police station. Here, we have provided some basic objectives of the Zero FIR.
- To avoid delay.
- To make police officers bound to take the jurisdiction.
- To enable hassle-free proceeding in the police station.
- To avoid any other kind of disruptions.
Essential Elements of Zero FIR
1. Informant filing the Zero FIR must mention his/her full name and address on the FIR,
2. The date, time and place of the incident of the offence occurred are the most essential requirements of the FIR,
3. To lodge the Zero FIR, the informant or victim himself/herself must give information about the incident of the cognizable offence.
4. The informant must state the true and actual facts of the incident.
5. The informant must mention the name of all the people involved in the incident if aware.
6. If the informant has any knowledge that there is any witness to his/her claim that must be mentioned by him.
7. An area where an offence is committed outside the jurisdiction of the police station.
8. The Zero FIR should be in writing format by the Police Officer of that Police Station.
9. Once the informant narrated all the information relating to the cognizable offence to the police officer then he/she needs to read and make a signature on it.
10. The Police Officer register it under Zero FIR and the FIR is lodged with the '0' number.
11. The copy of the FIR is also provided to the informant free of cost.
12. The FIR is to be transferred to the concerned jurisdiction police station as early as possible.
Difference Between FIR and Zero FIR
Difference between FIR and Zero FIR is that an FIR is lodged in a police station under whose jurisdiction the cognizable offence has occurred and a Zero FIR is lodged in any police station irrespective of jurisdiction where the cognizable offence has occurred.
Case Laws on Zero FIR
Kirti Vashisht v/s State & Ors.
In this case, it was held that even if the information is to be registered as an FIR where the incident of cognizable offence has occurred which is out of the jurisdictional area of the police station then also the police is obliged to take the information and register it as Zero FIR, and then transfer the Zero FIR with the concerned police station who has the jurisdiction.
State v/s Harnam Singh
In this case, Harnam Singh and the other 3 men kidnapped a girl. Later, the police received information and they were taken to the police station situated at Parliament Street where zero FIR was registered a subsequent medical examination was done and taken to the Police Station at Tilak Nagar where the duty officer was given a copy of the FIR.
FAQ
What is Zero FIR?
The Zero FIR is much more relatable to the FIR. The only difference between the FIR and Zero FIR is that an FIR is lodged in a police station in which the jurisdiction the incident occurred and whereas, the Zero FIR is lodged in any police station irrespective of in which jurisdiction the incident has happened.
What is the Purpose of Zero FIR?
Zero FIR is more efficient and effective as compared to inconvenience while lodging FIR in the police station. The main purpose of Zero FIR is to avoid delay and to make police officers bound to take the jurisdiction.
Where you can lodge Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR can be lodged in any of the police station irrespective of the jurisdiction.
What is the Procedure for Lodge Zero FIR?
The procedure to lodge Zero FIR is the same as regular FIR. Instead of giving FIR number, the Zero FIR is numbered '0'.
What will happen after lodging Zero FIR?
After lodging a Zero FIR, the police officer will send the Zero FIR to the respective Police Station under whose jurisdiction the conginzable offence has occurred.
Conclusion
Zero FIR is the easiest and most effective way to get the complaint registered in the Police Station. If any cognizable offence has occurred outside of the jurisdiction of the police station, still the police are obliged to register the FIR as Zero FIR.