e-Zero FIR System Launched to Combat High-Value Cyber Frauds | Digital FIRs Under New Criminal Laws

e-Zero FIR System Latest 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.

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

• Union Home Minister announced the launch of the e-Zero FIR system.
• Under this, cyber financial crime complaints exceeding ₹10 lakh—filed via the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—will be automatically converted into FIRs.

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 the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (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’.

e-Zero FIR System FAQs

Q1. What is the e-Zero FIR system?

Ans. It’s a digital initiative to auto-register FIRs for cyber frauds above ₹10 lakh via NCRP or 1930 helpline.

Q2. What makes Zero FIR jurisdiction-free?

Ans. Victims can file FIRs at any police station, irrespective of where the crime happened, ensuring no jurisdictional delays.

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Q3. Which section of BNSS mandates Zero FIR registration?

Ans. Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 mandates Zero FIR registration and victim-friendly procedures.

Q4. What platforms are integrated under e-Zero FIR?

Ans. It integrates NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system, and NCRB’s CCTNS for instant Zero FIR generation and routing.

Q5. What is required to convert e-Zero FIR into regular FIR?

Ans. The victim must visit a cybercrime police station within three days to convert Zero FIR into a regular FIR.

.Source: IE | PIB | ToI