Prelims 2026 · Polity and Constitution · Question 62
Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct?<br/><br/>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.<br/>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.<br/>3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.<br/><br/>Select the answer using the code given below:<br/>
Answer
2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect because BNSS section 173(1) gives Zero FIR treatment for cognizable offences, not for non-cognizable offences. Statement 3 is incorrect because information may be given orally or by electronic communication; electronic furnishing is not mandatory. Statement 2 is taken as correct on the bare text of section 173(3): with prior permission of an officer not below DSP rank, a preliminary enquiry may be undertaken in eligible cognizable offences.