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.

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