Daily Current Affairs : 29-June-2023
The recent violence in Manipur has raised concerns regarding the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Notably, almost 30% of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the police were classified as “Zero FIRs.” This essay aims to provide an in-depth analysis of Zero FIRs in the context of Manipur violence, explaining their significance and impact on the pursuit of justice.
Understanding the Concept of FIRs
Firstly, it is essential to comprehend the concept of an FIR. A First Information Report is a written account given to a police officer under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It serves as a trigger for initiating criminal proceedings. While the informant’s primary objective is to set the law in motion, the police rely on the FIR to gather information about alleged criminal activities and take necessary actions to apprehend the culprits.
The Significance of Zero FIRs
In situations where crimes occur outside the jurisdiction of a particular police station, the concept of Zero FIRs becomes crucial. Unlike regular FIRs, which are restricted by jurisdiction, a Zero FIR can be filed in any police station regardless of where the offense took place. This provision ensures that no time is wasted in registering a complaint and initiating the investigation process, especially in cases where immediate action is required.
Key Details of Manipur Violence and Zero FIRs
During the past 56 days in Manipur, approximately 30% of the 5,960 cases of arson and violence were registered by the police, irrespective of jurisdiction. These Zero FIRs encompass not only incidents of arson and violence but also other criminal offenses such as dacoity, murder, and looting of weapons. The tribal Kuki-Zo community, due to allegations of bias against the Manipur police, has refrained from traveling to the Imphal valley to register cases, further highlighting the importance of Zero FIRs in ensuring access to justice.
Advantages and Limitations of Zero FIRs
Advantages:
- Eliminating Jurisdictional Barriers: Zero FIRs enable victims or informants to file a complaint without worrying about the jurisdictional boundaries. This ensures that no time is lost in reporting an offense and initiating the investigation process.
- Immediate Action: By allowing the filing of Zero FIRs, the police can promptly register the complaint and start the necessary procedures. This is particularly crucial in cases where delays could lead to the destruction of evidence or endanger the lives of individuals involved.
- Equal Access to Justice: Zero FIRs promote equal access to justice for all citizens, irrespective of their location or the jurisdiction of the crime.
Limitations:
- Transfer Process: After registering a Zero FIR, the police station responsible for initiating the complaint must transfer it to the appropriate jurisdiction for investigation. This transfer process may lead to administrative delays and potential loss of evidence.
- Identifying Jurisdiction: In some cases, it may be challenging to determine the correct jurisdiction for a particular offense, leading to confusion and potential procedural hurdles.
Important Points:
- Nearly 30% of the FIRs filed in the recent Manipur violence were classified as Zero FIRs.
- Zero FIRs can be filed in any police station, regardless of jurisdiction.
- They are essential when crimes occur outside the jurisdiction of a particular police station.
- Zero FIRs were registered for various criminal offenses, including arson, violence, dacoity, murder, and looting of weapons.
- The tribal Kuki-Zo community refrained from traveling to the Imphal valley to register cases due to allegations of bias against the Manipur police.
- First Information Reports (FIRs) are written accounts given to police officers to initiate criminal proceedings.
- Informants can file an FIR even if they are not the victims or eyewitnesses to an offense.
- Zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’ and are later transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction for investigation.
- Advantages of Zero FIRs include eliminating jurisdictional barriers, facilitating immediate action, and promoting equal access to justice.
- Limitations of Zero FIRs include administrative delays during the transfer process and difficulties in identifying the correct jurisdiction.
- Policymakers and law enforcement agencies should address these limitations and streamline the process of Zero FIRs for greater effectiveness.
- A robust and fair criminal justice system is crucial for maintaining peace and upholding individuals’ rights in society.
Why In News
In a concerning trend, an alarming 30% of the FIRs filed by police in response to the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur were found to be ‘Zero FIRs,’ indicating the failure of local law enforcement to take immediate action. This not only raises questions about the efficiency of the police force but also highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure prompt and effective handling of criminal cases in the region.
MCQs about Zero FIRs in Manipur Violence
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What is the purpose of filing a Zero FIR?
A. To restrict jurisdiction for filing criminal complaints.
B. To ensure immediate action and initiation of the investigation process.
C. To limit access to justice for victims outside their jurisdiction.
D. To assign a unique serial number to the FIR.
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Who can file an FIR?
A. Only the victim of a crime.
B. Only eyewitnesses to an offense.
C. Any person, including the victim or an informant.
D. Only the police officers.
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What are the advantages of Zero FIRs?
A. Delay in initiating the investigation process.
B. Limited access to justice for victims.
C. Elimination of jurisdictional barriers.
D. Increased bias against the Manipur police.
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