Justice on Time: A Legal Appraisal of Time-Bound Investigations, Zero FIR and e-FIR under BNSS, 2023

Shivananda Sahu

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58738

Justice on Time: A Legal Appraisal of Time-Bound Investigations, Zero FIR and e-FIR under BNSS, 2023

Author(s)	Mr. Shivananda Sahu
Country	India
Abstract	The Indian criminal justice system has long been criticized for its chronic delays, procedural rigidity, and mounting backlog of cases, which undermine public trust in the rule of law. The enactment of the BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, marks a transformative step towards remedying these systemic flaws by introducing time-bound investigation protocols and leveraging digital tools such as Zero FIR and e-FIR. This paper critically examines the potential of these reforms to deliver timely justice and reduce procedural bottlenecks. The study explores the statutory mandate of completing investigations within specific timelines under the BNSS, and analyzes its alignment with the constitutional right to speedy justice under Article 21. The Zero FIR provision, which allows the registration of FIRs at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction, is evaluated for its impact on accessibility and immediate legal response. Similarly, the adoption of e-FIR mechanisms is assessed for its effectiveness in minimizing police inaction and promoting technological integration in criminal justice administration. Drawing from case law, provisions under the BNSS and policy documents, this paper presents a comparative analysis of pre- and post-BNSS frameworks, with a particular focus on regions like Western Odisha where access to justice is uneven. It also addresses challenges related to infrastructure, digital literacy, and police accountability that may affect the practical implementation of these reforms. The paper concludes that while BNSS, 2023, offers a robust legal framework for speeding up justice delivery, its success will ultimately depend on capacity-building, institutional reforms, and sustained monitoring. If implemented effectively, these measures can shift the paradigm from a delayed justice model to a more responsive, citizen-centric system.
Keywords	Criminal Justice System, BNSS, Mounting backlog, Zero FIR, e-FIR, Technological integration, Delayed justice, Western Odisha
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-10-25
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58738

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Justice on Time: A Legal Appraisal of Time-Bound Investigations, Zero FIR and e-FIR under BNSS, 2023

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