Zero FIR: Meaning, Rights and Filing Process

When a Zero FIR is the right route

Use it whenever speed matters more than geography.

• The offence happened in another district or state and returning there would delay action.
• Offences committed in transit — on a train, bus or highway — where the exact jurisdiction is unclear.
• Sexual offences and serious bodily harm where medical examination cannot wait.
• Online fraud where the accused's location is unknown.

What happens after registration

The recording station enters the information, gives you a copy free of cost, takes urgent steps such as arranging medical examination or preserving evidence, and forwards the papers to the station having jurisdiction. That station then registers the FIR under its own number and continues the investigation.

Your case number will therefore change once. Keep both the Zero FIR copy and the transferred FIR number.

Electronic and remote filing

The BNSS permits information to be given electronically, subject to being signed by the person giving it within a prescribed period. Several states also run e-FIR or citizen-portal facilities for specified categories of offences. Portal availability differs by state — check your state police website.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Go to the nearest police station

   Say clearly that you want a Zero FIR because the offence occurred outside their jurisdiction.

2. 2

   Give the information in writing

   Date, time, place, sequence of events, description of the accused, names of witnesses, and the loss or injury suffered.

3. 3

   Have it read back and sign it

   Correct any error before signing. Do not sign a blank or partially filled sheet.

4. 4

   Collect the free copy

   Note the Zero FIR number and the name of the station to which it is being transferred.

5. 5

   Follow up with the receiving station

   After a few days, contact the station with territorial jurisdiction for the regular FIR number and the investigating officer's details.

6. 6

   Escalate if it stalls

   If the transfer or registration does not happen, write to the Superintendent of Police under Section 173(4) BNSS and, if needed, apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS.

Documents you need

• Written complaint describing the offence and the place where it occurred
• Photo ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence or passport
• Medical papers where there is injury
• Tickets, boarding passes or travel records for offences in transit
• Screenshots, transaction references or photographs supporting the allegation

Common mistakes to avoid

• Accepting 'aap us thane jaiye' as a final answer — jurisdiction is not a ground for refusal.
• Not collecting the free FIR copy at the time of registration.
• Failing to track the transfer, so the case sits between two stations.
• Omitting the exact place of the offence, which is what decides the transferee station.
• Waiting several days in a financial-fraud case instead of calling 1930 immediately.

When you should see an advocate

• The transfer is not happening and you need a Magistrate application.
• The offence is grave — sexual assault, grievous hurt or death.
• You are also being threatened with a counter-complaint.
• You need a protection or interim relief alongside the FIR.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Zero FIR' a term used in the statute?

It is the administrative name for an FIR recorded irrespective of the place of the offence and then transferred. The underlying power comes from the BNSS provisions on recording information about cognizable offences.

Does the Zero FIR number stay with my case?

No. The station having jurisdiction registers a fresh FIR with its own number. Keep both numbers.

Can a Zero FIR be filed for cyber fraud?

Yes, and you should also report on cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930 immediately for financial fraud.

Is any fee charged?

No fee is payable.