Author name: Shabbu IAS

What Is Zero FIR? The concept of Zero FIR in the Indian legal system allows for a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed at any police station, irrespective of the jurisdiction where the incident took place. The main objective of Zero FIR is to prevent the police from rejecting a complaint based on jurisdictional constraints and to ensure swift action is taken in criminal cases. Provisions and Key Points How to Register a Zero FIR A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station. Once registered, it is given the number “0” and referred to as a Zero FIR. The case is then transferred to the appropriate police station for further investigation. Legal Basis: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) do not explicitly mention the concept of Zero FIR. It was introduced based on the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, which was formed after the 2012 Nirbhaya case. The legal basis for Zero FIR lies in the broader interpretation of Section 154 of the CrPC, which requires the registration of information related to cognizable offenses. Importance: Guarantees prompt recording of major crimes. Avoids investigation delays caused by jurisdictional problems. Enables victims to quickly file complaints, particularly in urgent situations such as sexual assault, kidnapping, and other severe offenses. Procedure: If someone wants to report a serious crime, they can go to any police station. The police must file a First Information Report (FIR) regardless of jurisdiction. This FIR is then labeled as a Zero FIR and sent to the correct police station. Judicial Precedents: The importance of Zero FIR in delivering prompt justice has been underscored by various prominent cases, such as the Nirbhaya gang rape case. Courts have stressed the obligation of police officers to promptly file Zero FIRs and promptly transfer them to the appropriate jurisdiction. Challenges and Issues Lack of awareness: The concept and provisions of Zero FIR are not well understood by many citizens and even some police officers, resulting in hesitancy to implement it. Need for training: Adequate training and sensitization of police personnel are necessary to ensure the proper utilization of Zero FIR. Potential for misuse: There are worries about the misuse of Zero FIRs, including filing false complaints or using them to harass individuals in different jurisdictions. conclusion, Zero FIR is an important part of the Indian legal system that aims to prevent delays in justice due to jurisdictional issues. It allows victims to report crimes quickly and ensures that investigations can start without unnecessary holdups. A Story Demonstrating the Application of Zero FIR The Incident While visiting her relatives in a nearby city, Meera, a young woman from Delhi, was abducted and assaulted by a group of men one evening on a deserted road far from her hometown. Distressed and traumatized, she managed to escape and sought help from a passerby who took her to the nearest police station. Filing the Zero FIR Meera encountered initial hesitation from the officers at the police station when she arrived to file a complaint, as they cited jurisdiction issues due to the crime occurring outside their area. However, Meera was informed about Zero FIR through a recent awareness campaign and insisted that her complaint be registered immediately. Recognizing the urgency of the matter and hearing her insistence, the senior officer at the station intervened. He explained to his team the provisions of Zero FIR, which allows any police station to register an FIR regardless of the crime’s location. After recording Meera’s detailed statement, the officers registered the FIR as a Zero FIR with the number “0” and assured her that the case would be transferred promptly to the appropriate police station. The next day, the Zero FIR and all evidence collected were sent to the designated police station, where the investigating officers immediately began their work, leveraging the head start provided by Meera’s initial complaint. Thanks to Meera’s timely reporting and the swift registration of the Zero FIR, the police were able to arrest the culprits within a week. The case received significant media coverage, underscoring the importance of Zero FIR in safeguarding victims’ rights and ensuring timely justice. Meera’s bravery and the officers’ adherence to Zero FIR procedures were instrumental in delivering justice without unnecessary delays. Also Read- Important Supreme Court Judgement For UPSC    

Important Constitutional Amendments For UPSC The Constitution of India has been amended several times to accommodate evolving social, economic, and political requirements. Following are few Important Constitutional Amendments For UPSC. 1. First Amendment Act, 1951 Purpose: This amendment introduced limitations on freedom of speech and expression, allowed the state to create specific measures for the progress of socially and educationally disadvantaged groups, and validated laws abolishing zamindari. Significance: The main goal of this amendment was to tackle concerns regarding land reforms and freedom of speech. 2. Seventh Amendment Act, 1956 Objective: To implement the suggestions of the States Reorganization Commission and restructure states based on linguistic criteria. Importance: This resulted in the formation of new states and union territories, as well as the reconfiguration of existing state borders. 3. Twenty-fourth Amendment Act, 1971 Purpose: This amendment confirmed Parliament’s authority to modify any section of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights. Significance: This amendment was a direct reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision in Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967), which stated that Parliament did not have the power to amend Fundamental Rights. 4. Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976 The “Mini-Constitution” was created with the purpose of making extensive changes to the Indian Constitution, including adding the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble, limiting judicial review, and expanding the Directive Principles of State Policy. This amendment had a significant impact on the structure and operation of the Indian Constitution. 5. Forty-fourth Amendment Act, 1978 Purpose: The amendment aimed to undo the changes made by the Forty-second Amendment, reinstate the authority of judicial review, and protect civil liberties. Significance: It sought to safeguard democratic values and personal freedoms. 6. Fifty-second Amendment Act, 1985 Objective: The introduction of the Anti-Defection Law aimed to prevent political defections and uphold party discipline. Importance: It included the addition of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, which detailed the procedure for disqualifying elected members due to defection. 7. Seventy-third Amendment Act, 1992 Objective: To grant constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance the effectiveness of local self-government. Importance: It required the formation of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, as well as the guarantee of regular elections and representation of marginalized communities. 8. Seventy-fourth Amendment Act, 1992 Objective: To grant constitutional status to urban local bodies (Municipalities) and enhance urban governance. Importance: It standardized the organization of Municipalities and guaranteed their regular elections and representation of marginalized communities. 9.Eighty-sixth Amendment Act, 2002 Objective: To establish education as a basic entitlement for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Importance: Added Article 21A, which requires the government to ensure that all children in this age range receive free and mandatory education. 10. One Hundred and First Amendment Act, 2016 Objective: The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) aimed to establish a consolidated market. This initiative eliminated various indirect taxes and streamlined the tax structure, ultimately facilitating business operations. Also Read- How To Choose UPSC Optional Subject