IN News:

In a significant stride toward modernizing cybercrime response mechanisms, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the e-Zero FIR system. This initiative ensures that complaints involving financial cyber frauds exceeding ?10 lakh—submitted via the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—are automatically registered as FIRs, eliminating the need for the complainant to visit a police station.

Objective and Operational Rollout

The project, developed under the guidance of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is aimed at accelerating the registration and investigation of high-value cybercrime cases.

• Pilot Implementation: Initiated in Delhi as a testbed.
• National Expansion: Plans are underway to replicate the model across India.

Concept of Zero FIR

The Zero FIR mechanism permits the filing of an FIR at any police station, regardless of the location of the offence. This removes jurisdictional constraints and ensures prompt registration of cases.

• Legal Backing: Incorporated under Section 173 of the BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
• Historical Context: Introduced following recommendations from the Justice Verma Committee post the 2012 Nirbhaya case, to address delays caused by jurisdictional rigidities.

Salient Features of Zero FIR

• No Jurisdictional Restrictions: Victims may file complaints at any police station or via electronic means.
• Initial Registration: The complaint is logged as a Zero FIR and then forwarded to the relevant jurisdictional police unit for investigation.
• Primary Goal: To facilitate timely intervention and prevent procedural delays for the complainant.

Integration with National Digital Systems

To enhance responsiveness and coordination, the e-Zero FIR system integrates with several key digital platforms:

• NCRP (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal) – Administered by I4C.
• Delhi Police’s e-FIR mechanism
• Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) – Maintained by theNational Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

This digital infrastructure enables real-time complaint registration at Delhi’s e-Crime Police Station, which then redirects the FIR to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Alignment with New Criminal Legislation

The initiative is fully aligned with India’s revised criminal justice framework effective from July 1, 2024, which includes:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
• BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
• BharatiyaSakshyaAdhiniyam (BSA), 2023

Under the BNSS provisions:

• Mandatory Zero FIR registration under Section 173.
• Victim must visit a cybercrime police station within 72 hours to convert a Zero FIR into a formal FIR.
• Free copy of FIR to be provided to the complainant, ensuring transparency and empowering victims.

Vision for a Cyber-Secure India

The launch of the e-Zero FIR system underscores the government’s resolve to build a secure and digitally empowered India by:

• Ensuring easy and immediate access to justice for victims of cyber fraud.
• Facilitating quick action by investigative agencies without procedural bottlenecks.
• Strengthening citizen trust through digital governance and victim-friendly policing.