Understanding FIR Under BNSS 2023: Zero FIR & E-FIR Explained
Understanding FIR Under BNSS 2023: Zero FIR & E-FIR Explained A Legal Insight by Dr. Anthony Raju Advocate, Supreme Court of India | Criminal Law Expert | Chairman, Indian National Human Rights Protection Council What is an FIR under BNSS? Under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, an FIR (First Information Report) is the written document prepared by the police when they receive credible information about a cognizable offense—an offense for which the police are empowered to arrest without a warrant. Key Objectives of FIR: Initiates the formal process of criminal investigation Brings the offense to the notice of the Magistrate Preserves the rights of the complainant/victim Acts as the foundation of evidence and procedural flow What’s New Under BNSS 2023? BNSS modernizes the FIR process, replacing colonial CrPC provisions with tech-forward and citizen-oriented reforms: 1. ZERO FIR (Jurisdiction-Free FIR Filing) Now, any police station must...