A Zero FIR lets you register a First Information Report at any police station in India, even one that has no jurisdiction over where the crime happened. Historically, victims who approached a police station outside the crime's jurisdiction were often turned away and told to go elsewhere first, a delay that could mean lost evidence or a lost window to act. That refusal is not lawful. Any police station receiving information about a cognizable offence must register it, then transfer the case to the station with actual jurisdiction. Here is how the procedure works, and what to do if a station still refuses.
What is a Zero FIR?
A standard FIR is registered under a sequential serial number tied to the police station that records it (for example, "FIR No. 142/2026"). A Zero FIR is instead registered under the serial number "0". Once registered:
- The receiving police station carries out preliminary preservation of evidence.
- The file is formally transferred to the police station that actually has territorial jurisdiction over the offence, which then takes over the investigation.
Step-by-step procedure to file a Zero FIR
- Go to the nearest police station. Do this as soon as possible after the incident, regardless of district or state boundaries.
- Give a clear written account. State the date, time, location and nature of the offence, whether it involves cybercrime, assault, theft, financial fraud or otherwise.
- Use the electronic option where available. Many states also allow information to be submitted by email or through a state police portal. Where this route is used, you will generally still need to sign the physical copy within a short window (commonly a few days) for it to be treated as a formal record, so follow up in person promptly after submitting online. See our full guide to e-FIR filing under Section 173 BNSS for how this works in detail.
- Get your free copy. You are entitled to an immediate, free, stamped copy of the FIR from the Station House Officer (SHO).
What if the police refuse to register a Zero FIR?
Refusal to register an FIR for a cognizable offence is not lawful, and you have escalation options if it happens:
- Write to the Superintendent of Police or DCP. Send your written complaint by registered post or email to the Superintendent of Police (in most districts) or the Deputy Commissioner of Police (in commissionerate cities), who can direct the local station to register it.
- Apply to the Magistrate. You can move an application before the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS seeking a direction to the police to register the FIR and investigate. See our guide comparing legal notices, police complaints and magistrate applications for how this fits alongside your other options.
- File a High Court writ petition. Where the above remedies do not work, a writ petition before the jurisdictional High Court against the police department's refusal to perform its statutory duty is the final escalation route.
How is a Zero FIR different from a regular FIR?
| Feature | Regular FIR | Zero FIR |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Only the station covering the crime location | Any police station in India |
| Numbering | Sequential serial number (e.g. FIR No. 142/2026) | Registered as "0" |
| Investigation | Conducted entirely by the registering station | Transferred to the jurisdictional station after registration |
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Procedures can vary by state; consult a qualified advocate for your specific matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR is a First Information Report registered at a police station that does not have territorial jurisdiction over where the offence occurred. Instead of a regular serial number, it is registered as "0" and then transferred to the police station with actual jurisdiction for investigation.
Can any police station in India register a Zero FIR?
Yes. Any police station receiving information about a cognizable offence is obligated to register it, regardless of where the offence took place, and forward it to the appropriate jurisdiction afterward.
What can I do if a police station refuses to register my FIR?
You can escalate in writing to the Superintendent of Police or Deputy Commissioner of Police, apply to the jurisdictional Magistrate for a direction to the police to register and investigate, or, where the police response remains inadequate, file a writ petition before the High Court.
Can I file an FIR online?
Many states allow information about certain offences to be submitted electronically through a state police portal or email. Where this route is used, the informant is generally still required to sign the physical record within a short window (commonly a few days) for it to be treated as a formal FIR.
Am I entitled to a copy of the FIR?
Yes. An informant is entitled to receive a free copy of the registered FIR, including a Zero FIR, from the police station.