Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct ? 1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. 2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. 3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically. Select the answer using the code given below :

Option (C) — 1 only

• Under BNSS 2023 (Section 173), a Zero FIR can be filed at any police station regardless of the territorial jurisdiction where the cognizable offence was committed. The FIR is then transferred to the jurisdictional police station.
• Zero FIR applies specifically to cognizable offences. Statement 1 mentions non-cognizable offences as well, but under BNSS Section 173, Zero FIR provisions have been formalized primarily for cognizable offences. However, the BNSS text does allow filing at any station.
• The requirement to furnish information electronically is not obligatory under Zero FIR provisions. It is a facility that may be available but is not mandatory for the informant.
• The preliminary enquiry provision under BNSS relates to offences punishable with 3 to 7 years, but the officer must transfer the Zero FIR to the competent jurisdiction. The OIC of the station where Zero FIR is lodged does not initiate preliminary enquiry with permission of competent authority in the manner described.

• 1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station even though the place of commission of a cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station: Correct. This is the fundamental principle of Zero FIR under BNSS 2023.
• 2. The Officer-in-Charge where Zero FIR has been lodged may, with permission of competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry: Incorrect. The Zero FIR must be transferred to the police station having jurisdiction. The preliminary enquiry provisions operate differently.
• 3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically: Incorrect. Electronic filing is a facility, not an obligation under Zero FIR provisions.