e-Zero FIR
Prelims:
Internal
Security, e-Governance
Mains:
GS
Paper II-e-Governance, Government Policies and Interventions, GS Paper
III-Internal Security
Current relevance:
The Tamil Nadu Government has implemented the e-Zero FIR system
to enable the prompt registration and investigation of cyber financial fraud
cases.
Highlights:
1.
The initiative has been introduced through the National
Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and will be integrated with the Crime
and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) for seamless registration
of electronic Zero FIRs.
2.
It has been introduced in line with the Ministry of
Home Affairs nationwide efforts to strengthen the response to cyber crimes,
improve inter-state coordination, and enhance the recovery of
defrauded money.
3.
Central Government notification:
The e-Zero FIR mechanism has been implemented under Section
173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The
provision enables offences relating to cyber financial fraud to be registered
as cognizable offences without delay, facilitating quicker legal
action and investigation.
4.
Need
for the initiative:
i.
Cyber financial
frauds often involve rapid transfer of money across multiple bank accounts. Delays
in registration of FIRs can reduce the chances of freezing fraudulent
transactions and recovering the stolen funds.
ii.
The e-Zero FIR
system seeks to eliminate procedural delays by ensuring that
complaints immediately enter the criminal justice system.
5.
Key features:
i.
Registration of electronic Zero FIRs for cyber
financial frauds involving losses above ₹1 lakh. (state government can
adjust their threshold limit)
ii.
Automatic integration of complaints
received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930
helpline with CCTNS.
iii.
Electronic transmission of complaints to the
jurisdictional cyber police station.
iv.
Mandatory conversion of the complaint into an FIR within
three days after completion of formalities.
v.
Facilitates
the faster initiation of investigations and legal proceedings against
cyber financial fraudsters.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tn-government-implements-e-zero-fir-system-for-faster-action-against-cyber-financial-scams/article71238136.ece