e-Zero FIR: Auto FIRs for Cyber Frauds Over ₹10 Lakh

Relevance: GS II: Government Policies

FIRs are automatically generated from cyber fraud complaints totaling more than ₹10 lakh that are submitted through a helpline or portal. The e-Zero FIR concept was originally introduced in Delhi as an experimental program; complaints must be filed using the cybercrime.gov.in homepage or the 1930 helpline.

What is e-Zero FIR?

Recently, the Indian government introduced e-Zero FIR, a new mechanism intended to improve cybersecurity and speed up investigations into high-value cyber financial crimes.

• Currently applicable to financial scams involving sums surpassing Rs 10 lakh, the effort, which began as a pilot project in Delhi, would instantly turn valid cybercrime complaints into FIRs. With this new program, the government hopes to expedite investigations and take prompt action against cybercriminals.

Why Was e-Zero FIR Introduced?

The new e-Zero FIR project was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)’s nodal agency, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), to apprehend any criminal with previously unheard-of speed.

• Soon, the entire country will have access to the new system, which will expedite investigations and crack down on cybercriminals.

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Key Features of the e-Zero FIR System

Zero FIR guarantees quick and easy access to legal action by enabling victims to register FIRs at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. For victims in urgent or dangerous situations, this modification is especially helpful since it allows for prompt police intervention and helps preserve evidence.

• In addition, the implementation of e-FIR makes it possible to file FIRs online, increasing public accessibility and ease. e-FIR reduces the requirement for in-person attendance at police stations by utilizing digital platforms, which cuts down on administrative burdens and delays.
• Adequate law enforcement training, broad public knowledge, and strong systems to guarantee accountability and stop abuse are all necessary for success. In light of this, NCRB has released the “NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws” mobile app, which compiles recent criminal legislation.

What is Zero FIR? 

Regarding Section 154 of the Cr. PC Even if the incident did not occur within their jurisdiction, a police station is required to file a formal complaint (FIR) if they receive information about a potential crime. A “Zero FIR” is the name given to this type of FIR. A ‘Zero FIR’ must be forwarded to the relevant police station where the actual offense took place after it has been filed. To put it another way, a “Zero FIR” can be filed at any police station where a crime is reported, regardless of whether or not that station has territorial jurisdiction. The case will then be transferred to the police station where the crime is allegedly to be investigated.

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Source: Cyber fraud complaints of over ₹10 lakh, lodged via helpline or portal, to automatically convert into FIRs

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