CrPC Section 66: Service on Government Servants
This section deals with the procedure for serving summons, warrants, and other legal documents on government servants.
Explanation:
Section 66 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) outlines the method of serving legal documents on government servants.
- When a government servant is stationed within the jurisdiction of the court, the document can be served by:
- Delivering it to the government servant personally.
- Leaving it at his/her usual place of residence or office with some adult member of the family or with a responsible person at the office.
- When a government servant is stationed outside the jurisdiction of the court, the document can be served by:
- Sending it through registered post with acknowledgment due.
- Delivering it to the head of the department or office to which the government servant is attached.
Illustration:
A police officer is investigating a case and needs to summon a government official residing within the jurisdiction of the court. The police officer can personally deliver the summons to the official or leave it at his office with a responsible person.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: Can a summons be served on a government servant’s family member?
A: Yes, if the government servant is absent, the summons can be served on a responsible member of the family at his/her usual place of residence.
Q: What happens if the government servant is on leave?
A: The summons can be served on the government servant’s immediate superior or the head of the department to which the government servant is attached.
Q: Can a government servant refuse to receive a summons?
A: No, a government servant cannot refuse to receive a summons. Doing so would be considered contempt of court.
