Why Zero FIR exists
In emergencies, victims of crime previously faced delays when police stations turned them away citing jurisdictional boundaries. Following recommendations from the Justice Verma Committee and directives from the Supreme Court and Ministry of Home Affairs, all police stations across India are legally obligated to record a Zero FIR for cognizable offences.
This ensures immediate recording of evidence, medical examination, and victim support without delay.
When to ask for a Zero FIR
A Zero FIR is appropriate in specific situations:
- 1Crimes occurring during travel (on trains, highways, flights, or transiting between cities).
- 2Incidents where you are currently away from the place where the crime occurred and cannot safely return immediately.
- 3Severe offences requiring immediate medical attention, forensic collection, or magistrate statements.
What happens after registration
The police station registers the statement with FIR number '0' and provides you with a free copy immediately.
The station conducts any urgent preliminary steps (such as hospitalisation or preservation of immediate scene evidence).
The entire file is then transferred to the jurisdictional police station, where it is converted and re-numbered as a regular FIR for ongoing investigation.