BNSS introduced the provision of registration of FIR relating to commission of cognizable offences irrespective of area where the offence is committed. This FIR is known as:
Explanation & Strategy
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A 'Zero FIR' gets its name because it carries zero serial number at the registering station (since it doesn't belong to that station's records permanently). The BNSS gave statutory recognition to this concept, ensuring that no police station can refuse to register a cognizable offence complaint on jurisdictional grounds. After registration, the Zero FIR is forwarded to the competent police station where it gets a regular FIR number. This is particularly important for time-sensitive offences like sexual assault or kidnapping.
The text reads: BNSS Section 173: Every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence shall be registered as FIR irrespective of the area where the offence is committed. Such FIR is transferred to the competent police station for investigation.
Zero FIR existed as an administrative practice under CrPC but has now received explicit statutory backing under BNSS S.173.