Zero FIR in India: What is it, who can file, and how is it different from regular FIR

Published 31 July 2026 · local

A Zero FIR has once again come into focus after a complaint was registered against Ruchika Singh over alleged objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Narendra

A Zero FIR has once again come into focus after a complaint was registered against Ruchika Singh over alleged objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that on July 23, Ruchika Singh used "abusive and objectionable" language against the Prime Minister during the protest, allegedly hurting the dignity of the constitutional office of the Prime Minister. Since the complaint was initially registered as a Zero FIR before being transferred to the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction, the case has renewed public interest in what a Zero FIR is and how it works. Read Full Story So, what exactly is a Zero FIR, when can it be filed, and how is it different from a regular FIR? Here's an explainer. WHAT IS A ZERO FIR? A Zero FIR (First Information Report) is an FIR that can be registered at any police station in India, irrespective of where the alleged offence took place. Instead of directing the complainant to another police station, the receiving police station registers the complaint immediately and later transfers it to the police station that has territorial jurisdiction to investigate the case. Also read: FIR against woman over objectionable remarks on PM at Jantar Mantar protest The purpose is to ensure that victims do not lose valuable time in reporting a cognisable offence.

WHY IS IT CALLED A ZERO FIR? It is called a Zero FIR because it is initially registered with a temporary "zero" serial number rather than a regular FIR number. Once the complaint reaches the police station that has jurisdiction over the case, it is assigned a regular FIR number and the investigation proceeds as per law. WHAT IS THE LEGAL BASIS OF A ZERO FIR? The concept of Zero FIR arises from the police's duty to register complaints relating to cognisable offences. Earlier, this obligation was governed by Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the corresponding provisions continue to require police to register information relating to cognisable offences without unnecessary delay. The concept gained widespread recognition after the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, constituted following the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The committee emphasised that victims should not be turned away simply because the crime occurred outside a police station's jurisdiction. WHEN CAN A ZERO FIR BE FILED? A Zero FIR can be registered for any cognisable offence, where the police have the authority to investigate without prior approval from a magistrate. These offences include Murder Rape and sexual assault Kidnapping Cognisable cases of domestic violence Rioting Serious road accidents Other grave criminal offences Although a Zero FIR can be used for any cognisable offence, it is most commonly associated with serious and urgent cases where immediate police intervention is necessary.