A zero FIR is an FIR that can be filed in any police station, irrespective of the jurisdiction of the offence, when it receives a complaint regarding a cognizable offence.
The term "zero" refers to the fact that the FIR is not given a serial number, as is the case with regular FIRs. Instead, it is given the number "0" and then transferred to the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction for further investigation.
Zero FIRs were introduced in India after the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, which was set up in the aftermath of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case. The committee found that victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes were often reluctant to file FIRs because they had to go to the police station where the offence had taken place. This could be inconvenient and intimidating, especially for women and children.
Zero FIRs were designed to make it easier for victims to file complaints and to ensure that they received timely justice. They have been welcomed by many people, but there have also been some concerns about their misuse.
For example, some people have argued that zero FIRs could be used to file false complaints or to harass people. However, the police have said that they have strict procedures in place to prevent the misuse of zero FIRs.
Overall, zero FIRs are a positive step towards making it easier for victims of crime to get justice. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for misuse and to take steps to prevent it.
Here are some of the benefits of zero FIRs:
- They make it easier for victims of crime to file complaints, regardless of where the offence took place.
- They can help to ensure that victims receive timely justice.
- They can help to reduce the stigma associated with reporting crime.
Here are some of the concerns about zero FIRs:
- They could be used to file false complaints or to harass people.
- They could be used to circumvent the jurisdictional rules of the police.
- They could lead to delays in investigation and prosecution.
Overall, zero FIRs are a valuable tool that can help to improve the justice system. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for misuse and to take steps to prevent it.