UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 87 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Zero FIR Provisions
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicGovernance
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
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:
Show answer
Answer: D. 2 only
Verdict
Only statement 2 is correct, so the answer is Option (d).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 is incorrect as framed: Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 recognizes the concept of Zero FIR in relation to cognizable offences. The inclusion of the phrase 'cognizable/non-cognizable offences' in the statement makes it inaccurate, since matters relating to non-cognizable offences are dealt with separately under Section 174 of the BNSS.
Statement 2 is correct: The provision regarding preliminary enquiry under Section 173(3) is not a general feature of Zero FIR. Such an enquiry may be conducted only in specific categories of cognizable offences punishable with imprisonment ranging from three years to less than seven years, and that too with prior permission of an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The BNSS permits information relating to an offence to be furnished electronically; however, electronic submission is not mandatory. Further, where information is provided electronically, the informant is required to sign the recorded information within three days.