Recently, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar filed a Zero FIR in Bengaluru, Karnataka, regarding the 28 January 2026 plane crash that killed his uncle and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He claimed Maharashtra police refused to register a complaint, leading him to allege a “larger criminal conspiracy” behind the fatal crash in Baramati. 1
Many peoples don’t know what is Zero FIR in India, So this article is for them….
A Zero FIR is a significant provision in Indian criminal law designed to ensure that victims of cognizable offenses (serious crimes like robbery, assault, or sexual offenses) can seek immediate legal help without being delayed by jurisdictional hurdles.
Here is a breakdown of how it works and why it matters:
1. Definition and Core Concept
Normally, an FIR (First Information Report) is filed at the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred. However, a Zero FIR can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the incident took place.
The “Zero” Label:
It is called a “Zero FIR” because the police station where it is lodged does not assign it a regular serial number. Instead, they mark it with the number ‘0’ (Zero).
Transfer of Case:
After registering the Zero FIR, conducting a preliminary investigation, or providing immediate medical aid if necessary, the police station is legally required to transfer the case to the police station that actually has the jurisdiction to investigate the crime.
2. Legal Basis
The concept gained prominence following the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee (formed after the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case). It is supported by:
Section 154 of the CrPC (now mirrored in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita – BNSS Section 173), which mandates that a police officer must record information regarding a cognizable offense.
Supreme Court Rulings: In cases like Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, the court emphasized that registration of an FIR is mandatory if the information discloses a cognizable offense.
3. Key Benefits
Timely Action:
It prevents the loss of crucial time during the “Golden Hour” of an investigation.
Preservation of Evidence:
It ensures that forensic or physical evidence is collected immediately before it can be tampered with or lost.
No “Jurisdiction” Excuses:
It stops police officers from turning away victims by claiming, “This isn’t our area.” Refusal to file a Zero FIR can lead to disciplinary action against the officer.
4. What Happens After Filing?
Once the Zero FIR is lodged:
The police may carry out an initial spot inspection or medical examination.
The case records and evidence are bundled and sent to the jurisdictional police station.
The receiving police station then assigns a regular FIR number and begins the formal investigation.
Note: If a police officer refuses to register a Zero FIR for a cognizable offense, the informant can send the substance of the information in writing to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or file a complaint before a Magistrate.
Quick Summary (Five Points)
- Recent Context: A Zero FIR was filed by Rohit Pawar in Bengaluru alleging a larger conspiracy in a plane crash case after refusal by local police to register the complaint.
- Meaning of Zero FIR: A Zero FIR allows a complaint for a cognizable offence to be filed at any police station, irrespective of territorial jurisdiction.
- Core Feature: It is marked with “0” (zero) and later transferred to the appropriate police station having jurisdiction for proper investigation.
- Legal Basis: Supported by Section 154 CrPC (now BNSS Section 173) and reinforced by Supreme Court rulings like Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP, making FIR registration mandatory.
- Importance: Ensures immediate action, preservation of evidence, and prevents police refusal on jurisdictional grounds, strengthening access to justice.
