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 accept an FIR, irrespective of the location of the crime.

✅ Victim-centric
✅ Saves time in emergencies
✅ Must be transferred to the competent police station within 24 hours

2 E-FIR (Electronic FIR Filing)

FIRs can now be lodged via online platforms, email, or designated apps, especially for:

3 Cyber crimes

Women’s safety offenses

Financial frauds
✅ Enhances accessibility
✅ Empowers remote and vulnerable complainants
✅ Reduces corruption and delay

4 Preliminary Inquiry Before FIR (If Applicable)

BNSS allows pre-FIR inquiries in certain sensitive or complex cases (e.g., matrimonial disputes, medical negligence), but only with written approval from a DySP or higher officer.

5 Why FIRs Matter:

> FIRs are the bedrock of justice in criminal law. With BNSS, India has empowered its citizens with easier access to the police system, greater digital transparency, and faster response times.

— Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court

6 Practical Takeaways:

Always insist on receiving a copy of the FIR (free of cost)

No FIR can be refused due to jurisdiction (thanks to Zero FIR)

Use online filing options in eligible states for E-FIR

In case of police inaction, file a complaint with the Magistrate under BNSS Clause 175 (formerly CrPC Section 156(3))

FIR under BNSS 2023 | Zero FIR India law | E-FIR legal process | How to file FIR in India online | BNSS 173 Explained | Criminal procedure reform India 2023 | Dr Anthony Raju on BNSS

#BNSS2023
#ZeroFIR
#EFIRIndia
#FileFIROnline
#LegalRightsIndia
#AnthonyRajuAdvocate

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