CRPC §69 → BNSS §71
Service of summons on witness by post. B.–Warrant of arrest
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Comparison
69. Service of summons on witness by post.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sections of this Chapter, a Court issuing a summons to a witness may, in addition to and simultaneously with the issue of such summons, direct a copy of the summons to be served by registered post addressed to the witness at the place where he ordinarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain.
(2) When an acknowledgement purporting to be signed by the witness or an endorsement purporting to be made by a postal employee that the witness refused to take delivery of the summons has been received, the Court issuing the summons may declare that the summons has been duly served. STATE AMENDMENT Andaman and Nicobar Islands U.T. In section 69 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1974 in is application to the Union Territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshdeep,— (a) in sub-section (1), after the words “to be served by registered post” the words “or of the substance thereof to be served by wireless message” shall be inserted. (b) in sub-section (2), for the words “that the witness refused to take delivery of the summons” the words “or a wireless messenger that the witness refused to take delivery of the summons or the message, as the ease may be” shall be substituted. [Vide Andaman and Nicobar Islands U.T. Act 6 of 1977, s. 2.] B.—Warrant of arrest
71.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sections of this Chapter, a Court issuing a summons to a witness may, in addition to and simultaneously with the issue of such summons, direct a copy of the summons to be served by electronic communication or by registered post addressed to the witness at the place where he ordinarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain.
(2) When an acknowledgement purporting to be signed by the witness or an endorsement purporting to be made by a postal employee that the witness refused to take delivery of the summons has been received or on the proof of delivery of summons under sub-section
(3) of section 70 by electronic communication to the satisfaction of the Court, the Court issuing summons may deem that the summons has been duly served. B.—Warrant of arrest
What changedAI-inferred
Service of summons by post — BNSS 71 expands with electronic communication including email.
Old position
CrPC 69 is concerned with Service of summons on witness by post. B.–Warrant of arrest. Service of summons on witness by post
New position
BNSS 71 modifies the framework. Topic: summons on witness.. Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sections of this Chapter, a Court issuing a summons to a witness may, in addition to and simultaneously with the issue of such summons, direct a copy of the summons to be served by
BNSS 71 modifies CrPC 69. Service of summons by post — BNSS 71 expands with electronic communication including email. BNSS 71 text: Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sections of this Chapter, a Court issuing a summons to a witness may, in addition to and simultaneously with...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNSS 71 carries forward CrPC 69's framework for service of summons on a witness by post in addition to and simultaneously with the issue of summons. The visible operative delta is the addition of electronic communication as an alternative permitted service mode alongside registered post. The Court's discretion to direct simultaneous postal service of the summons (where appropriate) is preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, CrPC 69 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNSS 71 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNSS 71 (summons on witness.). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, CRPC §69 → BNSS §71 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/crpc/69.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.