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28 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

West Bengal Police Lodges Zero FIR in Migrant Worker's Killing in Kerala

West Bengal Police registers Zero FIR for migrant worker's killing in Kerala, highlighting inter-state police cooperation.

West Bengal Police Lodges Zero FIR in Migrant Worker's Killing in Kerala

Photo by Nayam

The West Bengal Police has lodged a Zero FIR regarding the killing of a migrant worker from Malda district in Kerala. This action was taken after the victim's family reported the incident, alleging that the Kerala police had not properly investigated the case.

A Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR irrespective of the place of incident, which can then be transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction. This case underscores the challenges faced by migrant workers, the importance of inter-state police cooperation, and the procedural mechanisms like Zero FIR designed to ensure access to justice across state boundaries.

Key Facts

1.

West Bengal Police lodged a Zero FIR for a migrant worker's killing in Kerala.

2.

Victim from Malda, West Bengal, killed in Kerala.

3.

Family alleged Kerala police did not investigate properly.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Constitutional provisions related to policing and federalism (State List, Concurrent List).

2.

Procedural aspects of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) like FIR, Zero FIR, investigation.

3.

Challenges and rights of inter-state migrant workers.

4.

Role of judiciary in evolving legal procedures (e.g., Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP case).

5.

Inter-state police cooperation and mechanisms for crime investigation across jurisdictions.

Visual Insights

Inter-State Incident: Migrant Worker's Killing & Zero FIR

This map illustrates the geographical context of the news story, showing the origin state of the migrant worker (West Bengal, specifically Malda district) and the state where the incident occurred (Kerala). It highlights the inter-state nature of the crime, necessitating mechanisms like Zero FIR and inter-state police cooperation.

Loading interactive map...

📍Malda, West Bengal📍Kerala
More Information

Background

The concept of Zero FIR emerged from judicial pronouncements and aims to ensure that no crime goes unregistered due to jurisdictional issues. It is a crucial tool for victims, especially in cases involving inter-state crimes or when the victim is vulnerable, like migrant workers.

Historically, police stations would often refuse to register FIRs citing lack of jurisdiction, leading to delays and denial of justice. The Zero FIR mechanism addresses this by allowing any police station to register the complaint, regardless of where the incident occurred, and then transfer it to the appropriate police station for investigation.

Latest Developments

The recent lodging of a Zero FIR by West Bengal Police regarding a migrant worker's killing in Kerala highlights the practical application and challenges of this mechanism. It underscores the difficulties faced by migrant workers in accessing justice when crimes occur far from their native places and the alleged lack of proper investigation by local police. This incident brings to the forefront the need for robust inter-state police cooperation and effective implementation of procedural safeguards to protect vulnerable populations.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding a 'Zero FIR' in India: 1. A Zero FIR can be registered by any police station, irrespective of its territorial jurisdiction over the place of incident. 2. Once a Zero FIR is registered, it must be immediately transferred to the police station having the appropriate territorial jurisdiction. 3. The concept of Zero FIR is explicitly defined and detailed under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct: A Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR irrespective of the place of incident. This is a key feature to ensure no delay in registering a crime. Statement 2 is correct: After registration, the Zero FIR is then transferred to the police station having the appropriate territorial jurisdiction for further investigation. Statement 3 is incorrect: While widely recognized and implemented, the term 'Zero FIR' is not explicitly defined or detailed under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. It is a concept that has evolved through judicial pronouncements and police manuals to ensure prompt registration of crimes.

2. In the context of inter-state migrant workers and their access to justice in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

  • A.The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, was a central legislation aimed at protecting migrant workers.
  • B.'Police' and 'Public Order' are subjects primarily falling under the State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India.
  • C.The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the mandatory registration of an FIR under Section 154 of CrPC, even if the information does not disclose a cognizable offence.
  • D.The constitutional right to freedom of movement across the territory of India is available to all citizens, including migrant workers.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement A is correct: The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, was indeed a central legislation. It has since been subsumed under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, but its historical existence and purpose are relevant. Statement B is correct: 'Police' (Entry 2) and 'Public Order' (Entry 1) are explicitly listed in the State List of the Seventh Schedule, making them primarily state responsibilities. Statement C is incorrect: The Supreme Court, in cases like Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of U.P. (2014), has emphasized the mandatory registration of an FIR under Section 154 of CrPC *if the information discloses a cognizable offence*. If it does not disclose a cognizable offence, a preliminary inquiry may be conducted. The statement incorrectly suggests mandatory registration even if it *does not* disclose a cognizable offence. Statement D is correct: Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to move freely throughout the territory of India, which is fundamental for migrant workers.

3. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India facilitate inter-state cooperation in matters of law and order and criminal justice?

  • A.Article 258 (Power of the Union to confer powers, etc., on States in certain cases)
  • B.Article 262 (Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys)
  • C.Article 301 (Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse)
  • D.Article 356 (Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in State)
Show Answer

Answer: A

Article 258 allows the President, with the consent of the State Government, to entrust to that Government or to its officers functions in relation to any matter to which the executive power of the Union extends. Conversely, a State can also, with the consent of the Union Government, entrust functions to the Union or its officers. This provision can be used to facilitate cooperation in law enforcement, especially when central agencies need to operate in states or vice-versa for specific tasks related to inter-state crimes. Article 262 deals with inter-state river water disputes. Article 301 deals with freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse. Article 356 deals with President's Rule in states. While other articles might indirectly relate to federal structure, Article 258 directly provides a mechanism for conferring executive functions, which can be crucial for inter-state administrative and law enforcement cooperation.

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