Manipur Video: What Is Zero FIR? How Is It Helpful?

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Two months back three women were assaulted by four people who were allegedly part of the mob, who after stripping them had made them walk naked on 4 May, when ethnic violence erupted in the state. This has shaken the entire nation and made them question the safety of women and rights in this country.

As a result, Manipur police swung into action and arrested four people on Thursday, 21 July 2023, which is 63 days after a Zero First Information Report (FIR) that was registered months after a viral video on social media related to these women.

'Four main accused arrested in the Viral Video Case: 3 (three) more main accused of the heinous crime of abduction and gangrape under Nongpok Sekmai PS, Thoubal District have been arrested today. So a total 4 (four) persons have been arrested till now,' tweeted Manipur Police. Following the arrest Chief Minister N Biren Singh also wrote on Twitter that "suo motu" action after the video surfaced had led to the first arrest in the case.

Therefore, let us have a brief look at what Zero FIR means and how it can benefit people.

What Does A Zero FIR Mean? How Is It Helpful?
A zero FIR refers to an FIR that is registered irrespective of the area where the offence is committed. This means while reporting a crime action will not be delayed. Hence, police can no longer claim that they have no jurisdiction.

This FIR is then later transferred to the police station that has the actual jurisdiction, thereby converting it into a regular FIR. There is no restriction over the informant to lodge zero FIR. This is a more efficient and effective way to file a FIR without facing any hassles and inconveniences while registering it in the police station.

While an FIR, has serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number '0' (Zero), which validates the name. However, when the case is transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction, then a serial number is assigned to it.

When And How Did Zero FIR Come Into Existence?
Days after the horrific Delhi gangrape case, the Manmohan Singh-led government formed a three-member committee under retired judge Justice JS Verma. The committee recommended the concept of zero FIR which puts a legal obligation on the police to begin an investigation and take quick action without the excuse of an absence of jurisdiction.

According to a report in The Hindu, almost a third of the 5,960 cases of arson and violence registered in Manipur since the ethnic violence broke out in the state. On average, more than 100 cases were filed every day. Out of the total such cases, 1,771 cases or nearly 30 per cent FIRs were 'zero FIRs', filed suo-motu by the police irrespective of jurisdiction.