CrPC Section 69
Section 69 – Delivery of Summons by Post
This section provides an additional method for serving (delivering) a summons to an accused person, witness, or any person required to appear before a court.
Main Points of Section 69 CrPC
Postal Service of Summons
Apart from the usual modes of serving summons (like through a police officer or court officer), the law also allows that a copy of the summons may be sent by registered post, addressed to the person at:
Their ordinary place of residence, or
Their last known place of residence, or
Their place of business (if applicable).
Acknowledgement of Receipt
If the summons is sent by post and the postal department returns it with an acknowledgement signed by the addressee (the person concerned),
OR with an endorsement by the postal authority stating that the person refused to take delivery,
Then, it will be treated by the court as if the summons has been duly served.
Legal Effect
This prevents an accused or witness from avoiding court proceedings simply by refusing to accept the postal letter.
Once refused or acknowledged, the court considers the person legally notified.
Purpose of Section 69
To make summons service faster and more effective.
To prevent unnecessary delays in trials caused by people avoiding personal service of summons.
To use registered post as a reliable method, since it ensures tracking and official acknowledgement.
Example for Easy Understanding
Suppose a person named Ravi is required to appear as a witness in a case. The court issues a summons to him.
Instead of sending a police officer, the court clerk sends the summons to Ravi’s home address by registered post.
If Ravi receives it and signs the acknowledgement, it means service is successful.
If Ravi refuses to accept the post, the postal officer writes “refused” and returns it. Even then, the law assumes Ravi has been served.
✅ In summary:
Section 69 CrPC allows summons to be delivered through registered post. If the person receives it or refuses it, the law treats it as properly served.
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