CrPC Section 267

CrPC Section 267 governs the issuance of summons to accused individuals in criminal proceedings. It ensures that the accused are formally notified to appear before the court, safeguarding their right to be heard and participate in the trial. Understanding this section is crucial for both legal practitioners and citizens to comprehend how the criminal justice system initiates personal appearance of the accused.

This section plays a vital procedural role by outlining the method and conditions under which summons are served. It helps maintain the balance between efficient court process and protecting individual liberty by avoiding unnecessary arrests when appearance can be secured through summons.

CrPC Section 267 – Exact Provision

This provision mandates that summons must be signed by the appropriate authority and served personally or at the accused’s known residence or business. It ensures proper delivery so the accused is aware of the legal proceedings. The section prevents arbitrary summons and protects the accused’s right to receive clear notice.

• Summons must be signed by Magistrate or authorized officer.

• Service can be personal or at known residence/business.

• Ensures accused receives proper notice to appear.

• Prevents unnecessary arrests by enabling appearance through summons.

• Supports fair trial by informing accused of charges and court dates.

Explanation of CrPC Section 267

Section 267 explains how summons are issued and served to accused persons. It ensures that the accused is properly informed about the case and court appearance without immediate arrest.

• The section states summons must be signed by the Magistrate or authorized officer.

• It affects the accused person who must appear in court.

• Summons are issued when the court requires the accused’s presence but arrest is not necessary.

• Actions allowed include serving summons personally or at the accused’s residence/business.

• Actions prohibited include serving summons without proper signature or improper delivery.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 267

This section exists to ensure that accused persons receive proper legal notice to appear in court. It protects their right to be informed and avoids unnecessary detention by allowing summons as a less intrusive method than arrest.

• Protects accused’s right to fair notice.

• Ensures proper procedure in serving summons.

• Balances police and court power with individual liberty.

• Prevents misuse of arrest powers by enabling summons service.

When CrPC Section 267 Applies

Section 267 applies when the court decides to summon an accused rather than arresting them immediately. It is used in cases where appearance can be secured by notice.

• When accused’s presence is required but arrest is unnecessary.

• Magistrate or authorized officer issues summons.

• Applicable in criminal cases under the Code.

• Summons must be served within jurisdiction of issuing authority.

• Exceptions include cases requiring immediate arrest or non-bailable offences.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 267

Cognizance is taken by the Magistrate or authorized officer when a summons is issued. The court records the case and directs issuance of summons to the accused to ensure their presence at trial.

• Magistrate signs and orders summons issuance.

• Summons served to accused as per procedure.

• Failure to appear may lead to further action including arrest.

Bailability under CrPC Section 267

Since Section 267 deals with summons and not arrest, the question of bailability is generally not applicable here. However, if the accused fails to appear after summons, arrest may be ordered, and bail conditions will then apply based on the offence.

• Summons issuance itself is neither bailable nor non-bailable.

• Failure to appear summons may lead to arrest with bail considerations.

• Bail depends on nature of offence and court discretion.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 267)

Cases involving summons issued under Section 267 are generally triable by the Magistrate’s court. The Magistrate has jurisdiction to issue summons and conduct trial proceedings.

• Magistrate’s court handles summons and trial.

• Sessions court may be involved if case is committed for trial.

• Trial stages begin with appearance following summons.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 267

Appeals against orders related to summons issuance can be made to higher courts depending on the case. Revision petitions may also be filed to challenge procedural irregularities.

• Appeal lies to Sessions Court or High Court as applicable.

• Revision petitions can challenge summons or related orders.

• Timelines depend on nature of order and court rules.

Example of CrPC Section 267 in Practical Use

Person X is accused of causing minor injury in a dispute. The Magistrate decides that arrest is unnecessary and issues a summons under Section 267. X receives the summons at his residence and appears in court on the specified date. This avoids unnecessary detention and ensures X’s participation in the trial.

• Section 267 enabled lawful summons instead of arrest.

• Key takeaway: summons protect liberty while ensuring court appearance.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 267

Section 267 has evolved to formalize the summons procedure, replacing informal notices. Amendments have clarified service methods and authority to sign summons, improving procedural fairness.

• Originally part of early CrPC versions for summons issuance.

• Amendments enhanced clarity on service and authority.

• Modernized to align with fair trial principles.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 267

In 2026, Section 267 remains crucial for efficient criminal justice. It supports digital summons service in some jurisdictions and helps reduce overcrowding in detention by promoting summons over arrests.

• Supports electronic summons delivery in some courts.

• Reduces unnecessary arrests and jail population.

• Ensures accused’s right to notice in modern trials.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 267

• Section 41 – Arrest without warrant

• Section 61 – Summons to witness

• Section 82 – Summons for appearance

• Section 83 – Service of summons

• Section 204 – Issue of summons or warrant

Case References under CrPC Section 267

1. State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh (1999, AIR 1999 SC 2378)

   – Summons must be served properly to ensure fair trial and accused’s right to be heard.

2. K.K. Verma v. Union of India (1977, AIR 1977 SC 1362)

   – Magistrate’s discretion in issuing summons should be exercised judiciously.

3. Harbans Singh v. State of Punjab (1976, AIR 1976 SC 1671)

   – Proper service of summons is essential for valid proceedings.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 267

• Section:

  267

• Title:

  Summons to Accused Procedure

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Magistrate, accused

• Cognizance:

  Magistrate orders summons issuance

• Bailability:

  Not applicable (summons)

• Triable By:

  Magistrate’s Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 267

CrPC Section 267 is a fundamental procedural provision that ensures accused persons receive proper notice to appear in court. It protects individual liberty by allowing summons to replace arrest where appropriate, promoting fair trial and judicial efficiency.

Understanding this section helps citizens and legal professionals appreciate the balance between enforcing law and safeguarding rights. It prevents misuse of police powers and supports orderly criminal proceedings by formalizing summons issuance and service.

FAQs on CrPC Section 267

What is the main purpose of CrPC Section 267?

The main purpose is to regulate how summons are issued and served to accused persons, ensuring they receive proper notice to appear in court without immediate arrest.

Who signs the summons under Section 267?

The summons must be signed by the Magistrate or an officer empowered by the court to issue summons under the Code.

Can summons be served at the accused’s workplace?

Yes, summons can be served personally or by leaving it at the accused’s known place of residence or business, including their workplace.

What happens if the accused does not appear after receiving summons?

If the accused fails to appear, the court may take further action such as issuing a warrant for arrest to ensure their presence.

Is Section 267 applicable in all criminal cases?

Section 267 applies when the court opts to summon the accused instead of arresting them, typically in cases where arrest is not immediately necessary.