Plain English Explanation
A court summons must be in writing, in duplicate (two copies), signed by the judge, and sealed. It must be served by a police officer or court officer. NEW in BNSS: A summons can now be served by electronic communication (email, WhatsApp, SMS, etc.). This is a significant modernisation that reduces delays caused by physical service of summons.
Legal Text
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Section 105
(1) Every summons issued by a court under this Sanhita shall be in writing, in duplicate, signed by the presiding officer of such court or by such other officer as the High Court may, from time to time, by rule direct, and shall bear the seal of the court.
(2) All summons shall be served by a police officer, or subject to such rules as the State Government may make in this behalf, by an officer of the court issuing it or other public servant.
(3) The summons may also be served by electronic communication.
(4) A summons issued against an accused or a witness, as the case may be, can be served at the address given by the accused or the witness.
Keywords
summonselectronic summonsservice of summonscourt summonsemail summonsWhatsApp summonscourt process
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