Port Blair, July 2: The New Criminal Laws came into force in the country on 1st July, 2024 making it a historic day for the Indian system of criminal jurisprudence. The laws are citizen and victim friendly that are aimed at bringing about greater transparency, accessibility, accountability and quick redressal to the grievances of the public.
One major step in this direction is the introduction of Zero FIR under Section 173 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. A complainant can now file FIR anywhere in the country, irrespective of the place of occurrence of crime. This provision will ensure beginning of legal proceedings immediately, without undue delay on the part of the police.
The South Andaman Police achieved a significant milestone with the successful implementation of the Zero FIR provision under the new criminal laws on the very first day of new criminal laws coming into effect, marking a pivotal moment in law enforcement practices in the region. This milestone was reached with the registration and conversion of the first Zero FIR at the Aberdeen Police Station, following its transfer from Pahargaon Police Station (both in South Andaman District).
In this particular case, information was received at Pahargaon Police Station of the commission of sexual offence against a child. During the recording process, it became apparent that the place of occurrence was outside the jurisdiction of Pahargaon. Without delay, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pahargaon Police Station invoked the provisions of the new criminal laws, promptly registering a Zero FIR in CCTNS. The zero FIR was registered under the relevant sections of the law and transferred immediately to PS Aberdeen. Upon receipt of the case at Aberdeen Police Station, the SHO converted it into a regular FIR and assigned an Investigating Officer (IO) to promptly proceed with the investigation.
The process was testament to the ease of access to legal aid to the victim, without making victim run from pillar to post to get the FIR registered. Including the provision of Zero FIR into the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has allowed the victim to report incidents at the police station closest to their residence, promoting accessibility and comfort, during what can be a challenging and traumatic process.
The successful implementation of the New Criminal Laws and digitization of the criminal proceedings is a testament to the dedication and concerted efforts of the Andaman Police, working diligently in partnership across all Units and Police Stations with all other pillars of Criminal Justice System (CJS). The Police Department has worked with commitment, ensuring training of manpower, upgrading of technical infrastructure and creating awareness of the Three New Criminal Laws. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) team played a pivotal role in ensuring seamless integration and testing of these new procedures, resolving issues through meticulous testing and training sessions.
Andaman & Nicobar Police remains committed to upholding the highest standards of justice and service delivery. The successful implementation of Zero FIR reflects our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of every individual in our community. With a mission to serve and protect, the Andaman & Nicobar Police strives to build trust, foster community partnerships and deliver justice impartially.