Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (…

Question

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct?

1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.

2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.

3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 only
4. D. 2 only (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — D

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

Key Points

• Statement 2 is correct: the Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR is lodged may, with the permission of a competent superior officer, initiate a preliminary enquiry — for certain offences punishable between 3 and 7 years — under Section 173(3) of the BNSS, 2023.
• Statement 1 is incorrect, and is the key: a Zero FIR applies to a cognizable offence committed outside the station's territorial jurisdiction — the statement wrongly widens this to 'cognizable/non-cognizable'.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: furnishing information electronically is optional, not obligatory — Section 173(1) allows information to be given orally or by electronic communication.
• a Zero FIR can be registered at any police station regardless of jurisdiction and is then transferred to the station with proper jurisdiction; it ensures no delay in registering a serious crime.

Exam Tip

• the trap is 'cognizable/non-cognizable' — Zero FIR is for cognizable offences, and electronic filing is a choice, not a mandate.