Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Kerala High Court: Police Must Register FIRs via Email
The Kerala High Court says police have to start an investigation if they get a serious complaint via email, even if the person is far away and didn't sign.
This is because of a new rule called 'Zero FIR' that helps people report crimes no matter where they are.
A woman in Australia sent a complaint, but the police didn't act.
The court said the police must take her complaint seriously.
Kerala High Court ruled police must register FIRs sent via email from abroad.
The ruling cites Section 173 of the BNSS 2023, recognizing 'Zero FIR'.
Police cannot refuse FIR registration based on jurisdiction or signature.
The case stems from a 2020 complaint from a woman in Australia.
The court directed the police to act on a fresh complaint.
- Who
- The Kerala High Court, a woman residing in Australia, and the police.
- What
- Kerala High Court ruled police must register FIRs sent via email from abroad.
- When
- The ruling was made recently, referencing a 2020 complaint.
- Where
- Kerala High Court, India.
- Why
- To ensure victims can file complaints regardless of jurisdiction and to adhere to the new BNSS.
Traditional Police Practices
Revised Legal Interpretation
FIR Registration Requirements
Traditional Police Practices
Police may refuse to register an FIR without a signature or if the complainant is unavailable.
Revised Legal Interpretation
The Kerala High Court has ruled that police are duty-bound to register an FIR even if the complaint is unsigned or received via email from abroad.
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Related Law
- Section 173 of the BNSS 2023
- Complaint Origin
- Email from Australia
- Year of Original Complaint
- 2020
- Offense Type
- Cognizable offense
- Outcome
- Police must register the FIR
