Types of FIR
Regular FIR - Filed at police station with jurisdiction
Zero FIR - Filed at any police station, no jurisdiction barrier
e-FIR / Online FIR - Filed through official police portal
FIR on Phone/Email - Accepted in emergent situations
Delayed FIR - Filed after significant time lapse
Cross FIR / Counter FIR - Filed by both parties in same incident
Anonymous FIR - Without disclosing complainant identity
Suo Moto FIR - Police registers on own knowledge
Zero FIR - Complete Guide
Zero FIR is a landmark provision that allows registration of FIR at any police station regardless of territorial jurisdiction. After registration, it is transferred to the police station having jurisdiction.
Legal Basis: Based on Supreme Court judgment in Lalita Kumari v. Government of UP (2014) and Section 154 BNSS/CrPC interpretation.
When to use Zero FIR: When crime occurs in jurisdiction of another police station, when complainant is in immediate danger, when local police refuses to register.
Important: Zero FIR gets a '0' number and is treated like regular FIR. Police cannot refuse registration citing lack of jurisdiction.
e-FIR / Online FIR
Many states now offer online FIR filing through official police portals. However, complete online filing is available only for certain types of complaints.
Stolen mobile phone
Stolen vehicle
Lost documents
Lost pet
Complaint tracking available
Online acknowledgment generated
Note: For serious cognizable offences (murder, rape, robbery), physical presence at police station is required for proper recording.
Legal Sections for Filing FIR (BNSS/CrPC)
| Section | Description | Key Provision |
|---|
| Section 154 BNSS | Information in cognizable offences | Police MUST register FIR. Free copy to complainant. |
| Section 155 BNSS | Information in non-cognizable offences | Police cannot arrest without warrant. Court permission needed. |
| Section 156 BNSS | Police powers to investigate | Officer in charge can investigate cognizable cases. |
| Section 157 BNSS | Procedure for investigation | Police must send report to Magistrate. |
| Section 173 BNSS | Charge sheet / Final report | Police must file within 60/90 days. |
| Section 154(3) BNSS | Complaint to SP if SHO refuses | Superintendent of Police can order FIR registration. |
| Section 156(3) BNSS | Magistrate's power to order investigation | Magistrate can direct police to register FIR. |
Key Supreme Court Judgments on FIR
Lalita Kumari v. Government of UP (2014): Registration of FIR is mandatory for cognizable offences. No preliminary inquiry required.
State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal (1992): Guidelines for quashing of FIR under Section 482 CrPC.
Joginder Kumar v. State of UP (1994): Rights of accused at time of arrest.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified lawyer for case-specific advice.