Section 69Service of summons on witness by post
69
69
Service of summons on witness by post
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
SummonsWitnessPostal ServiceCourt Process
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 69 of the CrPC says a court can send a summons to a witness by registered post. This is in addition to other ways of serving a summons. If the witness signs to confirm they received it, or if the postal service says they refused it, the court can consider the summons served.
Why does this law exist? This law makes it easier to serve summons to witnesses. It provides a convenient way to notify witnesses. This is important for the smooth running of court proceedings.
Real-life impact This affects you if you are a witness in a case. You might receive a summons by registered post. It makes the process of summoning witnesses easier. It helps the legal process to work smoothly.
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

Amit is a witness in a case. The court sends him a summons by registered post. Amit signs the acknowledgment form. The court knows Amit received the summons. This ensures Amit can attend the court.

Sneha is a witness. She refuses to accept the registered post summons. The postal employee notes this. The court can still consider the summons served. This ensures Sneha is aware of the legal proceedings.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • Understand the summons and its purpose.
  • Accept the registered post summons.
  • Contact the court if you have questions.
  • Seek legal advice if needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 69 of the CrPC says a court can send a summons to a witness by registered post. If the witness signs to confirm they received it, or if the postal service says they refused it, the court can consider the summons served. This makes it easier to serve summons to witnesses.
If the witness refuses the summons, the court can still consider the summons served. The postal employee will note the refusal. This ensures the witness is aware of the legal proceedings. It helps the court to function smoothly.
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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