UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya  Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct? 

1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of cognizable/non cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. 
2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission  of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. 
3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

 

Select the answer using the code given below: 

Answer: 4 

Explanation: 

• Section 173(1) of the BNSS explicitly validates the mandatory registration of a Zero FIR, signifying  the police's obligation to register information about the commission of a cognizable offence only and  not non-cognizable offence, regardless of whether the specific offence was committed in the concerned  police station's jurisdiction or not. Once the Zero FIR is filed, the police station has to transfer the  FIR to the station with the appropriate jurisdiction to conduct the investigation. So, statement 1 is  not correct. 
• Section 173(3) of the BNSS stipulates that on receipt of information relating to the commission of a  cognizable offence punishable for three years or more but less than seven years, the officer-in-charge  may, with prior permission, conduct a preliminary enquiry or proceed with investigation. So, statement  2 is correct. 
• As per Section 173(1) of the BNSS, every information relating to the commission of a cognizable  offence, irrespective of the area where the offence is committed, may be given orally or by electronic  communication. Section 173(1)(ii) of BNSS lays down that FIRs can now be registered via electronic  communication (e-FIR), and it will be taken on record on being signed within three days by the person  giving such information but this is merely a newly introduced alternative mode, not a compulsory  requirement. So, statement 3 is not correct. 

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.