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Section 206 — Special summons in cases of petty offence
206
206
Special summons in cases of petty offence
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Chapter XVI Commencement of Proceedings before Magistrates
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Petty OffenseSummonsMagistrateFine
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 206 of the CrPC explains how a magistrate handles small offenses.
Why does this law exist? It helps speed up cases where the punishment is just a fine. This saves time and resources.
Real-life impact If you commit a minor offense, like a traffic violation, you might get a special summons. You can pay the fine without going to court.
What happens if you break this law? You will likely face a fine. If you don't pay, the magistrate can take further action.
⚖️ Punishment

The punishment is a fine, the amount specified in the summons.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul gets a summons for not wearing a helmet. He can pay the fine mentioned in the summons without going to court. Legal consequence: He pays the fine and the case is closed.

Priya is caught littering in a public place. She receives a summons and chooses to pay the fine. Legal consequence: The case is closed after fine payment.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Understand the summons and the charges against you.
  • •Pay the fine if you accept the charges.
  • •Seek legal advice if you disagree with the charges.
  • •Get legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 206 of the CrPC deals with how magistrates handle minor offenses. It allows for special summons. This means you might be able to pay a fine without going to court. This applies to offenses punishable only with a fine, like certain traffic violations or minor public order offenses. The goal is to resolve small cases quickly.
The punishment under Section 206 is usually a fine. The summons will specify the amount. If you don't pay the fine, the magistrate can take further action. This could involve a court appearance or other penalties. The amount of the fine depends on the specific petty offense.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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