Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of the e-Zero FIR system, under which cyber financial crime complaints involving over ₹10 lakh—reported via the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—will be automatically converted into FIRs.

The initiative, implemented by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), aims to enable faster tracking and action against cybercriminals.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Zero FIR
• New e-Zero FIR System Launched to Tackle High-Value Cybercrimes

Zero FIR

• Jurisdiction-Free Filing: A Zero FIR can be lodged at any police station, regardless of where the crime occurred or where the victim resides.
  • Jurisdiction of police stations is now no bar. A victim can provide information to a police station irrespective of its jurisdiction.
  • He may give such information orally or by electronic communication to the officer in-charge.
• Procedure: The receiving police station registers the complaint (without assigning a regular FIR number) and forwards it to the concerned police station for investigation.
• Origins: Recommended by the Justice Verma Committee post the 2012 Nirbhaya case to ensure victims don't face delays due to jurisdictional issues.
• Purpose: To facilitate immediate registration and ensure timely action, avoiding bureaucratic hurdles for the victim.
• FIRs under New Criminal Laws (2024 Onward)
  • New Legal Framework:
    • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
    • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
    • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
    • These three laws replaced the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act respectively, effective July 1, 2024.
  • Digital Reporting Enabled: Victims can now lodge FIRs electronically, removing the need to visit a police station in person.
  • Mandatory Zero FIR: Under Section 173 of BNSS, police must register Zero FIRs, strengthening victim-centric policing.
  • Victim Empowerment: Victims will receive free copies of FIRs, ensuring transparency and enabling participation in the legal process.

New e-Zero FIR System Launched to Tackle High-Value Cybercrimes

• Pilot Project Begins in Delhi, National Rollout Planned
  • The initiative, launched as a pilot in Delhi, will soon be extended nationwide.
  • It allows FIR registration irrespective of territorial jurisdiction, aiming to ensure swift investigation and recovery of lost money.
• Integrated Digital Infrastructure
  • The system integrates:
    • I4C’s NCRP system
    • Delhi Police’s e-FIR system
    • NCRB’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)
  • These platforms collectively ensure the immediate registration of Zero FIRs at Delhi’s e-Crime Police Station, which are then routed to the concerned jurisdiction.
• Compliance with New Criminal Laws
  • The process follows the provisions of Section 173 (1) and 1(ii) of BNSS.
  • Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within three days to get the Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR.
• Towards a Cyber-Secure Bharat
  • This system will empower authorities to act with unprecedented speed and reflects the government's commitment to build a 'Cyber-Secure Bharat'.