West Bengal Police Issue SOP For 'Zero FIR' To Ensure Faster Justice; What Does It Say?

Last Updated:June 20, 2025, 20:26 IST

Traditionally, many complaints faced delays or outright rejection when filed at police stations outside the jurisdiction of the incident

A Zero FIR is a First Information Report registered at any police station, irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. The FIR is later transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. Representational image

In an important move to streamline police procedures and reduce delays in the registration of criminal cases, the West Bengal police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Zero FIR. The new guideline, applicable across all police stations in the state, aims to ensure that cognisable offences can be registered immediately, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Traditionally, many complaints faced delays or outright rejection when filed at police stations outside the jurisdiction of the incident. To address this issue, the provision of Zero FIR has been introduced under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

What is a Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is a First Information Report registered at any police station, irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. The FIR is later transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation.

This provision ensures victims are not denied justice due to jurisdictional technicalities.

Key features of the SOP on Zero FIR:

Immediate Registration: Police must accept information about cognizable offences—whether oral, written, or electronic—without delay. If the information is received electronically, the informant must visit the station within three days to sign the complaint.

General Diary Entry: All information must first be recorded in the General Diary before registering the FIR.

Use of CCTNS: FIRs are to be registered through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which has dedicated modules for registration, tracking, and transfer. Manual registration is allowed only when the system is down.

Primary Investigation by Non-Jurisdictional Police: In urgent situations—such as rape, grievous injuries, or cases where evidence might be lost—police at the non-jurisdictional station can take immediate steps like arranging medical exams and preserving evidence. However, they are not permitted to draw conclusions or complete investigations.

24-Hour Transfer Deadline: Registered Zero FIRs must be transferred to the concerned police station within 24 hours. All physical documents and evidence must be sent within 48 hours.

Strict Monitoring and Accountability: Each police station must maintain a “Zero FIR Conversion Register." Any refusal to register an FIR based on jurisdiction will be considered negligence and may attract penalties under the new law.

Nodal Officers: Every district (SP/CP) must appoint a nodal officer to oversee timely registration, transfer, and conversion of Zero FIRs.

This SOP, issued under Section 173(1) of the BNSS, 2023, reflects a nationwide effort to promote victim-centric policing and ensure accountability in law enforcement.

Experts Weigh In

Legal experts and police reform advocates have welcomed the move, saying the new SOP will make filing FIRs easier and more accessible for ordinary citizens. “People often don’t know which police station has jurisdiction over their complaint. This reform allows them to approach any police station without hesitation," said a senior legal expert. “It will especially benefit victims in remote or urgent situations who might otherwise be turned away."

With the implementation of the Zero FIR SOP, the West Bengal police are expected to significantly reduce delays in the registration of criminal cases and improve public trust in the policing system.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...

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