SupremeToday Landscape Ad
AI Thinking

AI Thinking...

Searching Case Laws & Precedent on Legal Query..!

Scanned Judgements…!


AI Overview

AI Overview...

  • Police Officers Issuance of Notices under BNSS - According to the sources, police officers in India can issue notices to accused foreigners under Sections 63, 64, and 71 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), but such notices must be issued through a court process. Specifically, notices issued by police under Section 35 of BNSS (analogous to Section 41-A of CrPC) are distinct from summons issued by courts under Sections 63, 64, and 71, which require court authority and proper sealing or court seal when served ["2025 6 Supreme 227"], ["2024 0 Supreme(All) 1619"], ["2024 0 Supreme(All) 1037"].

  • Court vs. Police Notices - Summons under Sections 63 and 71 of BNSS are issued by courts following legal procedures, including issuance on the court’s order, and must be served by police or authorized officials, often requiring the court’s seal ["2025 6 Supreme 227"], ["2024 0 Supreme(All) 1619"]. Notices issued directly by police under Section 35 (or Section 41-A of CrPC) are investigative notices and are not equivalent to court summons, but they are mandated for certain offences and must be served within specified timelines ["2025 6 Supreme 227"], ["2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 30327"].

  • Procedure for Foreigners and Corporates - For foreigners or corporate entities, notices must specify the allegations and attach relevant documents. Police cannot arbitrarily issue notices without proper information or court approval. In cases involving foreign accused persons, notices issued by police must follow the legal framework, but they cannot replace court summons issued under Sections 63, 64, or 71, which require judicial authority ["2013 0 Supreme(Gau) 4"], ["2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 24817"].

  • Summary - Police officers can issue notices to foreigners under Sections 63, 64, and 71 of BNSS only through court proceedings, i.e., court-issued summons. Notices issued under Section 35 of BNSS by police are investigative in nature and serve as preliminary notices, but they do not substitute court summons. Proper legal procedures, including court approval and sealing, are mandatory for summons, especially when dealing with foreigners or corporate entities ["2025 6 Supreme 227"], ["2024 0 Supreme(All) 1619"].

Conclusion:Police officers cannot issue notices to foreigners directly under Sections 63, 64, or 71 of BNSS without court involvement. Such notices must be issued through a court order and served as summons, which require judicial authority and proper formalities. Notices under Section 35 of BNSS are investigative and serve a different purpose, not replacing court summons issued under the relevant sections ["2025 6 Supreme 227"], ["2024 0 Supreme(All) 1619"].


References:- 2025 6 Supreme 227- 2024 0 Supreme(All) 1619- 2013 0 Supreme(Gau) 4- 2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 30327- 2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 24817

Serving BNSS Notices to Foreign Accused: Jurisdictional and Procedural Limitations

Can Courts Serve BNSS Notices to Foreign Accused?

In the evolving landscape of Indian criminal law, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has introduced streamlined procedures for investigations and trials. A common query arises: Can a Court after Issuing Notice to the Accused in a Criminal Complaint Conduct Inquiry as Mandated under Section 225 BNSS? This question often intersects with challenges in serving notices, particularly to accused persons located abroad. While domestic service is straightforward, international service raises complex jurisdictional issues. This post delves into the legal framework, limitations, and practical insights, drawing from key provisions and judicial precedents. Note: This is general information and not specific legal advice; consult a qualified lawyer for your case.

Main Legal Finding on Notice Service

Law enforcement authorities cannot serve notices to foreign accused persons under Sections 63, 64, and 71 of the BNSS via court procedures. These provisions explicitly pertain to judicial proceedings within India and require communication in a form that bears the court's seal or digital signature. 2025 6 Supreme 227 Serving notices to foreign accused would involve international communication mechanisms outside the scope of these provisions, which are primarily designed for domestic judicial processes. 2025 6 Supreme 227

This distinction ensures that domestic tools aren't stretched beyond their intent, preventing procedural lapses in cross-border matters.

Key Provisions: Sections 63, 64, and 71 of BNSS

  • Section 63: Mandates that notices issued by the Court shall be in writing, signed by the presiding officer or authorized officer, and bear the seal of the Court or a digital signature. 2025 6 Supreme 227
  • Sections 64 and 71: Outline the manner of serving notices and other processes within judicial proceedings, emphasizing formal, authenticated communication within the Indian legal system. 2025 6 Supreme 227

These sections specify procedures for within-country service, highlighting the need for physical or verified delivery methods tailored to Indian jurisdiction.

Detailed Analysis: Domestic vs. International Service

Applicability Within India

Judicial proceedings under BNSS involve evidence taken on oath and are conducted within the court's jurisdiction. 2025 6 Supreme 227 Notices must be authenticated via court seal or digital signature, ensuring verifiability in domestic contexts. Courts have reinforced strict adherence to these modes. For instance, service through WhatsApp or electronic modes is not recognized as a substitute for prescribed methods under BNSS Section 35(3) (equivalent to old CrPC 41A).

Pavankumar VS State of Karnataka Through Adugodi P. S. , Rep. by State Public Prosecutor

Service of notice through WhatsApp or other electronic modes cannot be considered or recognised as an alternative or substitute to mode of service recognised and prescribed under Cr.P.C., 1973/BNSS, 2023.

Pavankumar VS State of Karnataka Through Adugodi P. S. , Rep. by State Public Prosecutor

Similarly, directions from higher courts mandate Standing Orders for police to use only statutory service modes for notices under Sections 35, 179, and 195 BNSS. 2025 1 Supreme 719 This underscores the emphasis on formal, traceable service even domestically.

Challenges with Foreign Accused

Serving foreign accused falls outside these provisions, as they do not provide for international or cross-border service. 2025 6 Supreme 227 Instead, mechanisms like Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) or diplomatic channels are typically required. The legal framework distinguishes between investigation, inquiry, and judicial proceedings, noting that judicial notice procedures aren't interchangeable for international service. 2025 6 Supreme 227

In practice, courts have highlighted fair process in inquiries. For example, in a bail application, the court mandated that notice of allegations should be provided to accused individuals prior to any legal action, ensuring fair process. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 42001 Without proper notice outlining allegations, proceedings risk being challenged.

Court's Authority Post-Notice in Section 225 BNSS Inquiries

Section 225 BNSS mandates inquiries in certain criminal complaints after issuing notice to the accused. However, if the accused is foreign, the court's ability to proceed hinges on effective service. Absent proper international service, conducting inquiry may be stalled. Courts generally proceed only after confirmed notice service, aligning with natural justice principles.

Insights from Related Case Law

Judicial precedents emphasize procedural rigor:

  • In cyber crime investigations, courts have directed Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and stressed competent handling, including proper notices. 2025 Supreme(Online)(KAR) 11909 The court emphasized the necessity of a Special Investigation Team for complex cyber crimes to ensure a fair and competent investigation. 2025 Supreme(Online)(KAR) 11909

  • Bail applications under BNSS Section 483 (old 439 CrPC) often turn on notice compliance. In one case involving sexual offences, bail was considered based on detention duration and notice fairness, but denied initially due to gravity. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Raj) 13625

  • For offences with less than seven years' punishment, courts direct appearance via proper BNSS Section 35(3) notices, quashing improper electronic services. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Tel) 18659

  • In POCSO-related matters, young accused received bail with conditions post-proper notice, preventing witness tampering. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 16184 The court held that the young age of the accused and the duration of detention justified granting bail, despite serious allegations, with conditions. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 16184

These cases illustrate that courts prioritize authenticated notice service before inquiries or arrests, a principle extending to Section 225 BNSS mandates.

Exceptions and Limitations

No explicit BNSS provisions cover foreign service directly. 2025 6 Supreme 227 Exceptions might arise via treaties, but domestic seals/digital signatures remain India-centric. Electronic service is curtailed, as seen in mandates against WhatsApp. 2025 1 Supreme 719 Notices under Section 41-A of Cr.P.C., 1973/Section 35 of BNSS, 2023 can be issued only through mode of service as prescribed under Cr.P.C., 1973/BNSS, 2023. 2025 1 Supreme 719

Practical Recommendations

  • For Domestic Accused: Use court-sealed notices per Sections 63-71 BNSS.
  • For Foreign Accused: Coordinate via MLAT, diplomatic channels, or international agencies.
  • Courts/Law Enforcement: Ensure allegation details in notices for fairness. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 42001
  • Always document service attempts to avoid procedural challenges.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In summary, while courts can conduct inquiries under Section 225 BNSS post-notice to domestic accused, serving foreign accused via Sections 63, 64, or 71 is not feasible due to their domestic focus. 2025 6 Supreme 227 International mechanisms are essential for compliance. Key takeaways:

  • Strict formal service modes are mandatory; no shortcuts like WhatsApp.

    Pavankumar VS State of Karnataka Through Adugodi P. S. , Rep. by State Public Prosecutor

  • Fair notice with allegations ensures due process. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 42001
  • Specialized probes (e.g., SITs) aid complex cases. 2025 Supreme(Online)(KAR) 11909

This framework promotes justice while respecting jurisdictional boundaries. For tailored advice, engage legal experts familiar with BNSS and international law.

#BNSS #CriminalLaw #LegalNoticeIndia
Chat Download
Chat Print
Chat R ALL
Landmark
Strategy
Argument
Risk
Chat Voice Bottom Icon
Chat Sent Bottom Icon
SupremeToday Portrait Ad
logo-black

An indispensable Tool for Legal Professionals, Endorsed by Various High Court and Judicial Officers

Please visit our Training & Support
Center or Contact Us for assistance

qr

Scan Me!

India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!

For Daily Legal Updates, Join us on :

whatsapp-icon Back to top