QUESTION

GS

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?

  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:

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Inorrect: Zero FIR under BNSS Section 173 applies to cognizable offences, irrespective of where the offence was committed. The statement wrongly includes non-cognizable offence. BNSS Section 173(1) says information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of area.

Statement 2 is Correct: BNSS Section 173(3) allows the Officer-in-Charge, for certain cognizable offences punishable with 3 years or more but less than 7 years, to conduct a preliminary enquiry with prior permission from an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Electronic furnishing is not obligatory. Section 173(1) says information may be given orally or by electronic communication. If given electronically, it must be signed within three days.

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