Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced the e-Zero FIR system, a digital-forward solution to ensure justice for victims of financial cybercrimes. Announced by India’s Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on May 19, 2025, this initiative is part of the government’s Cyber Secure Bharat initiative.
Under the supervision of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), the e-Zero FIR initiative has been rolled out as a pilot project in Delhi. Its core functionality is to automatically convert cybercrime complaints reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the national helpline 1930 into Zero FIRs when the monetary loss exceeds ₹10 lakh (11,671 USD).
This conversion will be processed through the Delhi Police’s e-FIR system and further integrated into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
e-Zero FIR: Speed and Accessibility in Cybercrime Response
According to Amit Shah, this innovation will “enable unprecedented speed in nabbing cybercriminals” and dramatically improve the conversion rate of NCRP/1930 complaints into formal FIRs.
The foundation for the e-Zero FIR and e-FIR systems lies in the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaces the outdated Criminal Procedure Code of 1973. Alongside BNSS, the government has also introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in place of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replacing the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
These legal reforms, effective from July 1, 2024, aim to streamline criminal procedures and make law enforcement more victim-centric and technologically equipped. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under BNSS provide a structured framework for Zero FIR and e-FIR processing. These SOPs emphasize accessibility, uniformity, and efficiency. They allow for:
- Registration of FIRs irrespective of territorial jurisdiction (Zero FIR)
- Filing of complaints online without visiting a police station (e-FIR)
- Mandatory video recording and interpreter support for vulnerable victims
- Specific provisions for cases involving offences against women and persons with disabilities
Key Features of e-Zero FIR
The e-Zero FIR mechanism works by routing complaints involving financial losses over ₹10 lakh (11,671 USD) directly to Delhi’s e-Crime Police Station, where they are initially registered as Zero FIRs. Complainants are then required to validate the FIR within three days at their local cybercrime police station, which subsequently converts it into a regular FIR for further investigation.
Importantly, Section 173(1) and (1)(ii) of BNSS legally underpin this mechanism. This framework effectively removes jurisdictional bottlenecks and enables immediate initiation of investigations, which is crucial in cases of digital money trails.
Additionally, complaints can now be digitally verified and acted upon, with investigating officers authorized to take quick action if the circumstances warrant urgent police intervention.
Expanding Nationwide After Pilot Success
Though currently operational in India’s capital, Delhi, the e-Zero FIR project is designed for nationwide implementation. As per Home Minister Amit Shah’s directives, the system will soon be rolled out across all states and Union Territories.
This expansion aligns with the Modi government’s broader strategy to strengthen the national cybersecurity grid, further realizing the vision of a Cyber Secure Bharat. The initiative also directly responds to public grievances regarding the delays in recovering lost funds due to cyber fraud, which have plagued India’s legal system.
Integration with Digital Platforms: NCRP and Sankalan App
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and helpline 1930 serve as entry points for public complaints. With the launch of e-Zero FIR, these platforms are no longer passive gateways but dynamic tools in the crime-fighting arsenal.
To support the understanding of the new criminal laws, the NCRB has launched the “NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws” mobile app, which compiles and explains the new laws in an accessible, user-friendly format. This initiative empowers citizens, law enforcement, and legal professionals alike with real-time information and tools.
The BNSS also ensures accountability through legal remedies if officials fail to register Zero FIRs or e-FIRs. Section 173(4) BNSS allows victims to escalate their grievances to the Superintendent of Police, who must act upon a cognizable offence. In case of willful negligence or refusal, Section 199 of BNS mandates rigorous imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years and applicable fines for public servants who violate these protocols.
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