Context:

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced the launch of the e-Zero FIR system, a transformative initiative spearheaded by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

What is the e-Zero FIR System?

The e-Zero FIR system allows for automated FIR registration, bypassing traditional jurisdictional constraints. Under this system:

·         This systemis designed to automatically convert cyber financial crime complaints exceeding ₹10 lakh—reported through the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—into First Information Reports (FIRs).

• The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers these Zero FIRs, which are then forwarded to the concerned jurisdictional cybercrime units.

Key Features:

• Jurisdiction-Free Filing: A complaint can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the incident occurred.
• Immediate Action: Prevents delay in registration, especially in urgent or sensitive matters.
• Forwarding Process: Once filed, the Zero FIR is transferred to the relevant police station for formal investigation.
• Origin: Proposed by the Justice Verma Committee post the 2012 Nirbhaya case to enhance victim-centric policing.

Legal Framework Underpinning the System:

Under Section 173 of the BNSS, police are mandated to register Zero FIRs, further cementing this initiative’s legal validity. Victims also receive free FIR copies, ensuring greater transparency and empowerment.

Delhi Pilot & National Rollout

Currently implemented as a pilot project in Delhi, the initiative will soon see pan-India expansion, empowering state and union territory police forces to adopt the e-Zero FIR process. The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi has already been notified for handling these registrations.

Cybercrime in India:

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using digital devices or the internet. In India, these crimes are governed primarily by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Types of Cybercrime

• Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems.
• Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to acquire sensitive data.
• Ransomware: Malware that locks data and demands payment for access.
• Online Financial Fraud: Includes credit card fraud, fake banking websites, etc.

From January to June, 2024  Rs 11,269 crore was lost to financial fraud. 

About Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):

Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the I4C is a comprehensive framework designed to address all types of cybercrime in India—including cyber fraud, cyberstalking, financial scams, and crimes against women and children—through coordinated and centralized efforts.

Objectives of I4C

• Central Nodal Agency: Acts as the central point of coordination for tackling cybercrime across India.
• Efficient Complaint Handling: Facilitates the easy filing of complaints and helps in tracking cybercrime trends and patterns.
• Early Warning System: Supports law enforcement by functioning as a proactive cybercrime detection and prevention system.

Conclusion:

The launch of the e-Zero FIR system marks a critical inflection point in India’s digital governance and cybersecurity infrastructure. By combining legislative innovation, digital integration, and a victim-first approach, this initiative reinforces the nation’s resolve to tackle cybercrime head-on and ensure justice in the digital age.