UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 60
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:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: BNSS section 173 enables recording of information on a cognizable offence regardless of territorial jurisdiction and allows a limited preliminary enquiry in specified cases.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Incorrect - Zero FIR is fundamentally about cognizable offences; extending its rule equally to non-cognizable offences is incorrect.
Statement 2: Correct - For certain cognizable offences punishable with three to seven years, an authorised preliminary enquiry may be undertaken subject to statutory safeguards.
Statement 3: Incorrect - Information can be given orally or electronically; an electronic submission is not compulsory.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 1, 3.
B: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 3.
C: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 1 and omits supported item(s) 2.
D: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
Review note: Cite BNSS section 173(1) and 173(3): the “Zero FIR” term applies to cognizable information; preliminary enquiry requires permission of a DSP-rank officer and has a 14-day limit.