The West Bengal police have implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Zero FIR, a significant step to expedite police processes and shorten delays in criminal case registration. No matter where the event happened, the new rule, which is applicable to all police stations in the state, attempts to guarantee that cognisable offenses may be reported right away.

When submitted in police stations beyond the incident's jurisdiction, many complaints have historically been either delayed or rejected outright. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has implemented the Zero FIR provision in order to overcome this problem.

What Is Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is a First Information Report filed with any police station, regardless of territorial jurisdiction. The FIR is then sent to the relevant police station for investigation. This clause guarantees that victims are not denied justice due to legal complications.

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Features Of SOP On Zero FIR

- Oral, written, or electronic reports of cognizable offenses must be promptly accepted by the police. The informant has three days to come to the station and sign the complaint if the information is obtained electronically.

- Prior to filing the FIR, all information must be entered into the General Diary.

- The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which contains specialised modules for registration, tracking, and transfer, is where FIRs must be filed. Only when the system is unavailable may users register manually.

- In critical situations such as rape, serious injuries, or instances where evidence may be lost, police at the non-jurisdictional station can take quick action, such as scheduling medical evaluations and preserving evidence. However, they are not authorised to make conclusions or conclude investigations.

- Registered Zero FIRs must be sent to the appropriate police station within 24 hours. All physical documentation and proof must be submitted within 48 hours.