Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct? 1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. 2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. 3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically. Select the answer using the code given below:

QUESTION

Hard

Indian Polity

Prelims 2026

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct?

A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.
The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.
Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: A Zero FIR can indeed be lodged at any police station, regardless of the territorial jurisdiction, for cognizable offences. This is in line with Section 173(1) of the BNSS, 2023, which allows for the registration of a Zero FIR for cognizable offences irrespective of jurisdiction.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: While Section 173(3) of the BNSS allows for a preliminary enquiry, it is not specifically tied to the lodging of a Zero FIR. The preliminary enquiry is applicable to cognizable offences punishable by 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and requires prior permission from a competent authority. However, the statement does not accurately reflect the conditions under which a preliminary enquiry can be initiated in relation to a Zero FIR.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: It is not obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically for a Zero FIR. Section 173(1) allows for information to be given either orally or by electronic communication, and electronic submission is not mandatory.

Therefore, the correct option is C.

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