Introduction

 A Zero FIR is a type of First Information Report (FIR) that can be registered at any police station, irrespective of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. It allows the victim to report a crime immediately, without delays due to jurisdictional issues. Once filed, the Zero FIR is transferred to the relevant police station that has jurisdiction over the case. This mechanism ensures timely reporting of crimes, particularly in cases like sexual assault or accidents, where immediate action is crucial.
Justice V. Ramkumar described Zero FIR as an essential mechanism introduced to overcome jurisdictional barriers in reporting crimes. According to him, the concept allows any police station to register an FIR without considering territorial jurisdiction and assign it a "zero" serial number. The FIR is later transferred to the police station having proper jurisdiction for investigation. This ensures prompt registration of serious offenses and prevents procedural delays, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the victim's right to justice over jurisdictional technicalities.