Regular FIR and Zero FIR: Meaning, Differences, Jurisdiction, and Use

What is Regular FIR?

It refers to a complaint registered in the police station having jurisdiction over the place of occurrence of the crime.

What is Zero FIR?

It refers to a complaint registered in any police station regardless of jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate police station.

Jurisdiction:

Jurisdiction in Regular FIR Should be filed in any police station under whose territorial jurisdiction the offence occurred. Whereas a Zero FIR Can be filed in any police station irrespective of jurisdiction.

FIR Numbering and Transfer:

FIR numbering in Regular FIR should be assigned a proper FIR number in the records of that police station and under this, no transfer is required as it is filed in the correct police station whereas FIR numbering in Zero FIR is initially given the number ‘0’ Zero, hence called Zero FIR whereas later renumbered when transferred to the concerned police stations.

Purpose:

Purpose in Regular FIR is to officially record a cognizable offence within the stations jurisdiction whereas Purpose in Zero FIR is to remove delay in filing FIR and ensure immediate action especially in urgent or sensitive matters such as rape, accident.

Legal Validity:

Fully valid and final for investigation under Regular FIR is Equally valid as Regular FIR only jurisdiction differs.

Example of:

Regular FIR: A theft occurs in Delhi and an FIR is filed in a Delhi police station.

Zero FIR: A theft occurs in Delhi but the victim is in Mumbai and an FIR can be filed in Mumbai as a Zero FIR and later transferred.