A Zero FIR allows a person to report information about a cognizable offence at a police station even when the alleged offence occurred outside that police station’s ordinary territorial jurisdiction.
The concept is particularly useful when immediate reporting is important and travelling to the police station having territorial jurisdiction could cause delay.
Under the current criminal-procedure framework, Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) provides that information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence may be given to an officer in charge of a police station irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. The provision also permits the information to be given orally or by electronic communication, subject to the requirements specified in the law.
This article explains what Zero FIR means, when it can be used, how to file one, what happens after registration and what you can do if a police station refuses to record the information.
What Is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR is generally understood as an FIR registered by a police station even though the alleged offence occurred outside that police station’s ordinary territorial jurisdiction.
The word “Zero” is commonly used because such an FIR may initially be registered without assigning the ordinary territorial police-station case number associated with the eventual investigating police station.
The important legal point under the current BNSS is that information about a cognizable offence can be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
After the initial registration, the matter can be transferred or dealt with by the police station having the appropriate jurisdiction according to the applicable procedure.
What Does the Law Say About Zero FIR?
Section 173(1) BNSS states that information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence, irrespective of the area where the offence is committed, may be given orally or through electronic communication to an officer in charge of a police station.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also specifically identified Section 173 as providing for information concerning a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. In a December 2025 Rajya Sabha answer, the Ministry described this provision in response to a question about Zero FIR under the new criminal laws.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had also issued an earlier advisory on registration of FIR irrespective of territorial jurisdiction and Zero FIR.
Zero FIR vs Regular FIR
The basic distinction is territorial jurisdiction at the initial stage.
| Basis | Zero FIR | Regular FIR |
| Where information is initially given | Police station approached by the informant | Police station having the relevant territorial jurisdiction |
| Territorial location of offence | May be outside the police station’s area | Normally within the relevant police station’s jurisdiction |
| Applicable offence | Cognizable offence | Cognizable offence |
| Main purpose | Enable prompt reporting despite territorial jurisdiction | Begin police process at the appropriate police station |
| Subsequent handling | May be transferred to the appropriate police station | Generally investigated by the jurisdictionally appropriate police authority |
| Legal basis | Section 173(1) BNSS | Section 173 BNSS |
The term Zero FIR describes the initial territorial-jurisdiction situation; it does not create a separate category of criminal offence.
When Can You File a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR may be relevant when:
- The alleged offence is cognizable.
- The incident occurred outside the local police station’s area.
- You are currently in another city or district.
- Immediate reporting is important.
- Travelling to the police station at the place of occurrence would cause unnecessary delay.
- The offence occurred during travel between different places.
- The exact territorial jurisdiction is unclear at the initial stage.
For example, suppose a person travelling from Delhi to Jaipur alleges that a cognizable offence occurred during the journey.
The person may approach a police station where they are located and provide information about the offence rather than being required to first travel to the eventual investigating police station solely because of territorial location.
Section 173(1) BNSS expressly provides for information to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
Is Zero FIR Available for Every Offence?
No.
The statutory provision concerns information relating to a cognizable offence.
The BNSS treats non-cognizable offences differently. Under Section 174, information concerning a non-cognizable offence is entered in the prescribed manner and the informant is referred to the Magistrate. Police generally cannot investigate a non-cognizable case without a Magistrate’s order.
Therefore, Zero FIR should not be described as a mechanism applicable automatically to every type of complaint.
The classification of the alleged offence depends on the applicable law and facts.
How to File a Zero FIR in India
The process is broadly similar to reporting a cognizable offence, with the additional point that the offence may have occurred outside the police station’s territorial area.
Step 1: Approach a Police Station
Go to a police station that you can reasonably access.
Explain that you want to provide information about an alleged cognizable offence.
If the incident occurred outside that police station’s area, explain the location clearly.
Step 2: Provide the Facts
Give the police accurate information about:
- Date of incident
- Approximate time
- Location
- What happened
- Persons involved
- Description of unknown persons
- Injuries or loss
- Witnesses
- Available evidence
- Vehicle details, if relevant
- Digital evidence, if relevant
You do not need to determine the final legal sections yourself.
The important thing is to provide truthful and complete facts.
Step 3: Mention the Location of the Offence
Clearly state where the incident occurred.
This is particularly important in a Zero FIR because the police station receiving the information may not be the police station ultimately responsible for investigation.
Step 4: Ask for Registration
Section 173(1) BNSS allows information about a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area where the offence occurred.
If the information discloses a cognizable offence, ask that it be recorded according to law.
Step 5: Check the Recorded Information
If your information is recorded from an oral statement, Section 173 requires it to be reduced to writing and read over to the informant.
Check that important facts have been correctly recorded before signing.
Step 6: Sign the Information
Information given orally must be signed by the person giving it after it is reduced to writing.
Where information is submitted electronically, Section 173 provides for it to be taken on record after being signed within three days.
Step 7: Obtain the FIR Copy
Section 173(2) provides that a copy of the recorded information must be given forthwith and free of cost to the informant or victim.
Keep the copy safely.
What Information Should You Give for a Zero FIR?
A useful written application should contain:
| Detail | What to provide |
| Informant’s name | Full name and contact details |
| Incident date | Exact or approximate date |
| Incident time | Exact or approximate time |
| Place of occurrence | Complete location, if known |
| Description | Clear chronological account |
| Accused/suspect | Name or description, if known |
| Witnesses | Names/contact details, if available |
| Injury/loss | Details of harm or property loss |
| Evidence | Documents, photographs, videos, messages etc. |
| Other police details | Previous complaint or report, if any |
The objective is to give the police enough factual information to understand what is alleged to have happened.
Zero FIR Example
Consider this example.
Situation
A person living in Delhi travels to another city. During the trip, the person alleges that a cognizable offence occurred.
After reaching another location, the person wants to report the incident immediately.
What can the person do?
The person can approach an accessible police station and provide information about the alleged cognizable offence.
The fact that the incident occurred outside the police station’s ordinary territorial area does not, by itself, prevent the information from being given because Section 173(1) BNSS applies irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
The matter can subsequently be handled by the police authority having the appropriate jurisdiction.
What Happens After a Zero FIR Is Registered?
The next steps depend on the facts and applicable procedure.
Broadly, the police may:
- Record the information.
- Provide the copy to the informant or victim.
- Take necessary immediate steps.
- Determine the appropriate territorial jurisdiction.
- Transfer or forward the case to the appropriate police authority where required.
- Continue investigation or enable the jurisdictionally appropriate police station to investigate.
- Collect evidence and examine witnesses.
- Take other lawful investigative steps.
The transfer of the matter does not mean that the original reporting was invalid merely because the first police station was outside the eventual territorial jurisdiction.
Does a Zero FIR Have a FIR Number?
A Zero FIR may initially be identified differently from the regular FIR numbering used by the police station that ultimately handles the investigation.
The exact administrative numbering and transfer process can depend on police records and State/UT procedures.
Therefore, it is better to retain the copy and acknowledgement provided by the police, rather than relying only on the term “Zero FIR.”
Once the matter is transferred or registered in the appropriate police station’s records, the relevant case details can be used for subsequent tracking.
Does Zero FIR Mean the Police Will Investigate Locally?
Not necessarily.
The purpose is to allow the information about a cognizable offence to be recorded despite the territorial location of the offence.
The investigation may ultimately be conducted by the police station or police authority having jurisdiction over the place of occurrence.
Section 175 BNSS separately addresses police powers to investigate cognizable cases.
Can Zero FIR Be Filed in Another State?
The territorial principle in Section 173(1) is not limited to another police station within the same city.
The provision says that information about a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of the area where the offence is committed.
Therefore, an incident occurring in one State can potentially be reported at an accessible police station in another State, subject to the facts and applicable procedure.
The matter can then be dealt with by the police authority having appropriate jurisdiction.
Can Zero FIR Be Filed Online?
Section 173(1) BNSS expressly allows information concerning a cognizable offence to be given through electronic communication.
However, the actual online reporting facilities differ between State and Union Territory police departments.
An online complaint facility should not automatically be assumed to be the same as an electronically submitted FIR under Section 173.
If you use an online police portal:
- Save the acknowledgement.
- Note the complaint/reference number.
- Keep a copy of the submitted information.
- Follow any signing requirement.
- Check whether the police have actually registered an FIR.
Electronic Zero FIR and the Three-Day Signing Requirement
Section 173(1)(ii) BNSS states that information given by electronic communication is taken on record after it is signed within three days by the person giving it.
Therefore, merely sending an email or online submission should not be treated as the end of the process.
Follow the instructions of the relevant police system for completing the statutory requirement.
What If Police Refuse to Register a Zero FIR?
If you provide information that discloses a cognizable offence and the police refuse to record it, Section 173(4) BNSS provides an escalation mechanism.
The substance of the information can be sent in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned. If the SP is satisfied that the information discloses a cognizable offence, the SP may investigate the case or direct investigation by a subordinate police officer in accordance with the BNSS.
If the matter remains unresolved, Section 175(3) provides a route to approach the Magistrate in the circumstances specified by law. The provision refers to an application supported by an affidavit under Section 173(4), followed by the procedure prescribed in that section.
Practical Escalation
The broad route can therefore be:
Police Station → Superintendent of Police → Magistrate
Keep copies of your complaint, acknowledgement, postal receipt and supporting evidence.
Can Police Refuse a Zero FIR Because of Territorial Jurisdiction?
The mere fact that the alleged cognizable offence occurred outside the police station’s area should not by itself prevent the information from being given.
Section 173(1) specifically states that information relating to a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of the area where the offence is committed.
This provision is the current statutory basis for the Zero FIR concept.
However, other legal issues may still need to be considered, such as whether the facts disclose a cognizable offence and whether a special law creates a particular procedure.
Zero FIR and Preliminary Enquiry
A Zero FIR should not be confused with a preliminary enquiry.
Section 173(3) BNSS creates a specific preliminary-enquiry mechanism for certain cognizable offences punishable with three years or more but less than seven years, subject to the conditions in that provision. It allows the officer in charge, with prior permission from an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and considering the nature and gravity of the offence, to conduct a preliminary enquiry within 14 days or proceed with investigation where a prima facie case exists.
This does not create a general 14-day waiting period for all FIRs.
The provision applies only to the category and circumstances specified by Section 173(3).
Zero FIR for Crimes Against Women
Zero FIR can be particularly important where immediate reporting is necessary.
Section 173 contains special provisions for information concerning certain offences against women, including requirements relating to recording information by a woman police officer or woman officer in the circumstances specified by the law.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also previously issued guidance concerning registration of FIRs, including Zero FIR, in cases involving sexual offences against women.
The exact safeguards applicable to a particular offence should be checked under the current BNSS and any applicable special law.
Zero FIR for Cybercrime
Cybercrime can create difficult jurisdiction questions because the victim, accused, bank account, device, server and other relevant locations may be in different places.
Where the alleged conduct discloses a cognizable offence, Section 173(1)’s provision concerning information irrespective of the area of occurrence can be relevant.
For financial cyber fraud, immediate reporting can also be important because digital transactions may require prompt action through the appropriate channels.
Keep:
- Transaction details
- Bank statements
- UTR/reference numbers
- Screenshots
- Phone numbers
- Emails
- Website/app details
- Chat records
- Wallet or account information
- Other digital evidence
Do not delete the original communications.
Zero FIR vs Online Police Complaint
These terms should not be treated as automatically identical.
| Zero FIR | Online police complaint |
| Refers to FIR registration despite territorial jurisdiction issue | Refers to electronic submission of information/complaint |
| Concerns a cognizable offence | Nature depends on the complaint and police system |
| Based on Section 173(1) BNSS | Online facilities may be provided by State/UT police |
| Can involve subsequent transfer | May or may not result in FIR registration |
| FIR details should be confirmed | Complaint/reference number may initially be issued |
An online submission should therefore be checked to determine whether an FIR has actually been registered.
Zero FIR vs Regular FIR: Example
Suppose:
Incident location: Mumbai
Person reporting: Currently in Delhi
Regular territorial route
The person may ordinarily approach the police authority having jurisdiction over the location of the incident.
Zero FIR route
The person can provide information about the cognizable offence at an accessible police station in Delhi, relying on Section 173(1)’s provision that information may be given irrespective of the area where the offence occurred.
The matter can then be dealt with by the appropriate police authority.
What Documents Should You Keep?
After reporting a Zero FIR, keep:
- FIR copy
- FIR/reference number
- Police station name
- Date of registration
- Copy of original complaint
- Acknowledgement
- Details of investigating officer, when provided
- Medical documents
- Photographs/videos
- Digital evidence
- Witness information
- Transfer/reference details
- Subsequent police correspondence
- Court documents, if proceedings begin
These records can make it easier to follow the case after transfer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every complaint qualifies for Zero FIR
The provision concerns information relating to a cognizable offence.
- Giving inaccurate information
Report facts truthfully and avoid exaggeration.
- Not mentioning the actual location
Clearly identify where the alleged incident occurred.
- Losing the acknowledgement
Keep copies of all documents and reference numbers.
- Assuming an online complaint is automatically an FIR
Confirm whether an FIR has actually been registered.
- Ignoring the electronic signing requirement
Where information is given electronically under Section 173, comply with the three-day signing requirement.
- Travelling unnecessarily because of territorial jurisdiction
For a cognizable offence, Section 173(1) expressly allows information to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
- Treating FIR registration as proof of guilt
An FIR records information about an alleged offence. It is not a conviction.
Zero FIR Checklist
If you need to report an incident outside your local police-station jurisdiction, keep this checklist:
- Confirm the facts of the incident
- Note date and time
- Note exact location
- Identify persons involved, if known
- Collect supporting evidence
- Approach an accessible police station
- Clearly state that the offence occurred outside the local area, if applicable
- Provide the information about the alleged cognizable offence
- Check the recorded information
- Sign where required
- Obtain a free copy of the recorded information
- Keep the FIR/reference number
- Follow up regarding transfer or further investigation
- Escalate to the SP if information is not recorded
- Consider the Magistrate route where legally appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zero FIR?
Zero FIR is the commonly used term for an FIR that can initially be registered at a police station despite the alleged offence having occurred outside that station’s territorial jurisdiction. Section 173(1) BNSS provides that information concerning a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
Is Zero FIR mentioned in the BNSS?
The term “Zero FIR” itself is commonly used to describe the mechanism. Section 173(1) BNSS provides the underlying rule by allowing information about a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also expressly referred to Section 173 in relation to Zero FIR.
Can I file a Zero FIR in another city?
Yes, where the information concerns a cognizable offence, Section 173(1) allows it to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
Can I file a Zero FIR in another State?
The statutory wording is not restricted to the same State; it allows information concerning a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. The appropriate police authority can subsequently handle the matter according to jurisdiction and applicable procedure.
Is Zero FIR available for non-cognizable offences?
The Zero FIR provision in Section 173 concerns information relating to cognizable offences. Non-cognizable cases are dealt with under Section 174 and generally require a Magistrate’s order for police investigation.
Can Zero FIR be filed online?
Section 173 permits information about a cognizable offence to be given through electronic communication. The actual online system depends on the relevant police department, and electronic information is subject to the statutory signing requirement.
Is a Zero FIR investigated by the same police station?
Not necessarily. The police station receiving the information may not have territorial jurisdiction over the place of occurrence. The matter may subsequently be handled by the appropriate police authority.
Does Zero FIR have to be transferred?
Where another police station has the appropriate territorial jurisdiction, the matter can be transferred or forwarded according to the applicable police procedure. The precise administrative process can vary.
Can police refuse Zero FIR because the crime occurred elsewhere?
Section 173(1) specifically permits information concerning a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area where the offence occurred. Territorial location alone should therefore not prevent the initial reporting of such information.
What if police refuse to register a Zero FIR?
If information concerning a cognizable offence is not recorded, Section 173(4) provides a route to send the substance of the information in writing by post to the concerned Superintendent of Police. Section 175(3) provides a further Magistrate route in the circumstances specified by law.
Is Zero FIR the same as a normal FIR?
Both concern information relating to a cognizable offence. The main distinction is that a Zero FIR is initially registered despite the territorial jurisdiction of the police station being different from the place of occurrence.
Does Zero FIR mean the accused will be arrested immediately?
No. FIR registration and arrest are separate legal steps. Arrest depends on the facts, applicable law and requirements governing arrest.
Does filing a Zero FIR prove that the accused committed the offence?
No. An FIR records information about an alleged offence. Guilt is determined through the subsequent legal process.
Conclusion
A Zero FIR is an important mechanism for reporting a cognizable offence without being prevented by territorial jurisdiction at the initial reporting stage.
Under Section 173(1) BNSS, information relating to a cognizable offence may be given to an officer in charge of a police station irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. The information may be given orally or through electronic communication, subject to the statutory requirements.
After the initial registration, the matter can be dealt with by the police authority having the appropriate territorial jurisdiction. The Ministry of Home Affairs has specifically confirmed that Section 173 provides this territorial-jurisdiction mechanism in its December 2025 response concerning Zero FIR.
If the police refuse to record information that discloses a cognizable offence, Section 173(4) BNSS provides an escalation route through the Superintendent of Police, while Section 175(3) provides for approaching the Magistrate in the circumstances prescribed by law.
The practical takeaway is simple: territorial jurisdiction should not by itself prevent the initial reporting of a cognizable offence. Keep the complaint, FIR copy, acknowledgement and supporting evidence safely, and obtain legal advice where the matter is serious or procedurally complicated.
