In many criminal cases, especially involving women, children, or cybercrime, victims are often turned away by police stations because the incident did not occur within their local jurisdiction. To prevent this injustice, Indian law recognises an important concept called Zero FIR.
This article explains what Zero FIR is, how it works in Delhi, the legal procedure, and what the Supreme Court has clearly directed police authorities to do.
What Is a Zero FIR? (In Simple Terms)
A Zero FIR is an FIR that can be registered at any police station, irrespective of where the crime took place.
It is numbered as “0” initially. Later, it is transferred to the appropriate police station having territorial jurisdiction. The victim does not have to run from one police station to another.
In short, jurisdiction cannot be an excuse to refuse an FIR.
Why Zero FIR Is Important for Delhi Residents
Delhi is a large metropolitan city with:
- Frequent inter-district movement
- Cyber-crimes involving multiple states
- Crimes occurring during travel (metro, cabs, highways)
Without Zero FIR, victims would face:
- Delays in investigation
- Loss of crucial evidence
- Mental harassment
- Violation of fundamental rights
Zero FIR ensures immediate police action, which is critical in serious offences.
Legal Basis of Zero FIR
Section 154, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)/ Section 173, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
This section mandates: Police must register an FIR when information discloses a cognisable offence.
No territorial condition is mentioned for initial registration.
Landmark Supreme Court Judgments on Zero FIR
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Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014) 2 SCC 1
This is the most important judgment on FIR registration.
The Supreme Court held:
- Registration of FIR is mandatory for cognisable offences
- Police cannot conduct a preliminary inquiry to avoid registration
- Delay in FIR registration violates Article 21 (Right to Life)
This judgment laid the foundation for Zero FIR practice across India.
-
Kirti Vashisht v. State & Ors. (Delhi High Court)
The Delhi High Court clarified: Police cannot refuse FIR citing lack of jurisdiction, Zero FIR must be registered and then transferred. This judgment is frequently relied upon in Delhi courts.
-
State of Andhra Pradesh v. Punati Ramulu (1993)
The Supreme Court ruled: Refusal to register FIR amounts to dereliction of duty. Police officers can face disciplinary and legal action for refusal.
4. Satvinder Kaur v. State (Delhi HC)
Reaffirmed a complainant’s right to file a complaint at any police station.
5. Justice Verma Committee Report
Following the 2012 Nirbhaya case, this report led to the widespread adoption of Zero FIR to prevent delays in investigations.
When Can You File a Zero FIR in Delhi?
Zero FIR can be filed in cases such as: Sexual offences, Domestic violence, Missing persons, Cyber frauds, Kidnapping, Road accidents, Crimes during travel.
Women’s and children’s cases are given special priority.
Step-by-Step Procedure to File
Step 1: Visit the Nearest Police Station
Go to any police station, not necessarily where the crime occurred.
Step 2: Clearly State the Facts
Explain the incident in simple language.
Mention:
- Date and time
- Nature of offence
- Identity of accused (if known)
Step 3: Ask for Zero FIR Registration
If jurisdiction is raised, politely insist on Zero FIR, citing Supreme Court guidelines.
Step 4: Obtain FIR Copy
You are legally entitled to a free copy of the FIR.
Step 5: Transfer to Jurisdictional Police Station
The police will later transfer the FIR to the concerned station for investigation.
What If Delhi Police Refuse to Register Zero FIR?
If police refuse, you have legal remedies:
- Approach the SHO / ACP / DCP
- Send a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police
- File a complaint under Section 166A IPC (for certain offences)
- Approach the Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC
- File a Writ Petition in the Delhi High Court
Courts in Delhi have repeatedly taken a strict view against FIR refusal.
Zero FIR and Cyber Crime in Delhi
In cyber fraud cases:
- The offence may involve multiple states
- Victims can file Zero FIR at local police station
- FIR can also be lodged through the National Cyber Crime Portal
- Delay can result in permanent loss of money
Immediate Zero FIR helps in freezing bank accounts and digital trails.
Common Myths About Zero FIR
– Police can refuse an FIR without jurisdiction.
– FIR can only be registered where the crime occurred.
– Zero FIR is optional for the police.
Important to Know: Zero FIR is a legal obligation, not a favour.
Zero FIR is a powerful legal safeguard designed to protect citizens from police inaction and procedural delays. The Supreme Court has made it clear that access to justice begins at the police station, not after jurisdictional debates.
For Delhi residents, understanding Zero FIR can make the difference between timely justice and irreversible loss.
Law is clear. Rights are clear. Citizens must assert them.
FAQs: (Frequent Asked Questions)
1. What does “Zero FIR” actually mean?
Zero FIR means an FIR that can be registered at any police station, even if the crime did not occur in that area. It is numbered “0” and later transferred to the correct police station.
2. Is Zero FIR legally valid?
Yes. Zero FIR is fully legal and backed by Supreme Court judgments. Police are duty-bound to register it when a cognisable offence is disclosed.
3. Can Delhi Police refuse to register a Zero FIR?
No. Refusal to register an FIR, including Zero FIR, is illegal and can invite disciplinary as well as legal action against the police officer.
4. In which cases is Zero FIR most useful?
Zero FIR is especially important in: Sexual offences, Cyber frauds, Missing persons cases, Kidnapping, Crimes during travel, Domestic violence
5. Which Supreme Court judgment supports?
The landmark case is Lalita Kumari v. State of UP (2014), where the Supreme Court held that FIR registration is mandatory for cognisable offences.
6. Do I need a lawyer to file a Zero FIR?
No. Any citizen can approach the police directly. A lawyer is required only if police refuse or delay registration.
7. What if police say “go to another police station”?
You can politely insist on Zero FIR and cite Supreme Court guidelines. If refusal continues, you may approach senior officers or the Magistrate.
8. Is Zero FIR applicable in cybercrime cases?
Yes. In fact, Zero FIR is crucial in cybercrime cases where delay can lead to loss of money and digital evidence.
9. Will Zero FIR delay investigation?
No. Zero FIR ensures immediate action and prevents loss of evidence. Transfer happens later without affecting investigation.
10. Is Zero FIR free of cost?
Yes. FIR registration is completely free, and a copy must be given to the complainant without charge.
