National News

e-zero FIRs in 2025

August 8 , 2026 15 hrs 0 min 85 0

Delhi recorded the highest number of e-zero FIRs.
The e-Zero FIR system was launched in 2025 May last year.
It was done by the Ministry of Home Affairs via the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
It operates under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
12 thousand cases have been registered under e-Zero FIRs
Delhi has registered 6,115 e-Zero FIRs, followed by Chandigarh.
MHA introduces e-Zero FIR system for cybercrime cases in 18 states and UTs.
It allows victims of cyber financial fraud to report the crime either directly online or through a helpline, which ensures that the victims are able to file a Zero FIR without any constraints.
It will automatically be converted into an e-Zero FIR at the designated state or Union Territory e-Crime Police Station.
However, to convert an e-Zero FIR into a regular FIR, the complainant has to visit their respective jurisdictional cyber-crimes police station within three days of filing the complaint.
Zero FIR under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognizable offence regardless of where the incident happened.
Key items include mandatory registration, a zero-serial number, and subsequent transfer.
Section 173 BNSS: Gives formal statutory backing to the Zero FIR process, replacing older administrative guidelines.
No Territorial Refusal: Police officers cannot reject a complaint about a cognizable crime using the excuse of jurisdiction.
Serial Number "0": The initial station assigns a "0" number because it will not retain or investigate the core case.
The victim or complainant gives oral or electronic information at any convenient police station - either orally or in writing or by electronic communication, at any police station.
Immediate Action: The local station takes urgent steps like medical aid or evidence preservation if needed right away.
Transfer of Case: The files are sent promptly to the correct jurisdictional police station, which converts it into a regular numbered FIR and starts the main investigation.
A significant reform in India’s criminal justice system that allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognizable offence, regardless of jurisdiction.
It ensures prompt action without delay due to territorial boundaries.