Meaning of 'Summon'
- A Summon is a legal document issued by a court directing a person to appear before it for a specified purpose.
- It serves as a formal notice requiring the recipient to respond to a case, whether as a party, witness, or for producing evidence.
- The term is primarily governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908 for civil cases and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 for criminal matters.
When are Summons Issued?
Summons are issued:
-
At the Initiation of a Case
- When a suit or complaint is filed, the court issues summons to inform the opposite party.
-
For Attendance of a Person
- If the court requires a party, witness, or accused to appear in person.
-
For Production of Documents or Evidence
- When a person is required to submit records, evidence, or other necessary documents.
-
For Examination of a Witness
- When a witness is needed to testify in court.
For Whom are Summons Issued?
Summons can be issued to:
-
Defendant (in Civil Cases)
- The person against whom the lawsuit is filed is summoned to appear and present their defense.
-
Accused Person (in Criminal Cases)
- In minor (summons) cases, the accused is summoned to appear before the court (CrPC Section 204).
-
Witnesses
- A person having knowledge of facts relevant to the case is summoned to testify (CrPC Section 160).
-
Any Person for Document Production
- If a person holds records relevant to the case, they can be summoned to produce them in court.
Purpose of Issuing Summons
Summons serve several legal purposes:
-
To Ensure Fair Trial
- Summons inform parties about the case and provide an opportunity to present their side.
-
To Maintain Due Process
- It ensures that no legal proceedings occur without notifying the concerned parties.
-
To Call for Evidence or Testimony
- Witnesses and documents are crucial in determining facts in legal cases.
-
To Enforce Judicial Orders
- Courts ensure compliance with their directives through summons.
Conclusion
A Summon is an essential judicial tool ensuring that parties, witnesses, and evidence are properly brought before the court. It serves the purpose of notification, compliance, and fair trial, playing a vital role in both civil and criminal proceedings.
Comments
Post a Comment