Section 66Service on Government
66
66
Service on Government
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Chapter VI Processes to Compel Appearance
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
SummonsGovernmentLegal ProcedureCourt Process
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 66 of the CrPC explains how to serve a summons to someone working for the government. If you need to summon a government employee, the court sends the summons to their boss. The boss then makes sure the employee gets the summons. The boss sends it back to the court, confirming the service.
Why does this law exist? This law ensures that government employees are properly notified of court summons. It streamlines the process and makes sure the court knows the summons was delivered. This is important for fairness.
Real-life impact This affects you if you are a government employee or if you need to summon one. It ensures that the court process is followed correctly. It helps the court to function smoothly. It makes sure everyone gets a fair chance.
What happens if you break this law? This section is about the process of serving a summons, not about breaking a law. There is no direct punishment for violating this section. However, failing to follow the correct procedure could delay the legal process.
💡 Real Life Example

Rahul, a government employee, receives a summons for a court case. The court sends the summons to his department head. His boss ensures Rahul gets the summons. This ensures Rahul is aware of the legal proceedings.

Priya, a teacher, is summoned to testify in a case. The court sends the summons to the school principal. The principal ensures Priya receives it. This is to ensure Priya can attend the court.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • Understand the summons and its purpose.
  • Inform your superior about the summons immediately.
  • Cooperate with the court process as required.
  • Seek legal advice if you are unsure about the summons.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 66 of the CrPC explains how summons are served to government employees. The court sends the summons to the employee's head of office. The head of office ensures the summons is delivered. This ensures the employee is aware of the legal proceedings. It helps the court to function smoothly.
If the summons isn't served correctly, it could delay the legal process. The court might have to reissue the summons. This could lead to delays in the case. It is important to follow the correct procedure. This ensures fairness and efficiency in the legal system.
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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