Delhi Govt notifies rules for e-delivery of summons, warrants

The Delhi Government has notified the BNSS (Service of Summons and Warrants) Rules, 2025, enabling court summons and warrants to be served through WhatsApp and e-mail. The notification, issued by the Home Department, had already received the assent of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

Under the new provisions, summons and warrants will be generated electronically via the Case Information System, carrying the digital seal and signature of the presiding judge. These will then be delivered to the recipient by the police through WhatsApp or e-mail.

If electronic service fails, or if contact details are unavailable, the court may direct physical delivery to ensure uninterrupted service.

Police stations will maintain records of individuals to be served under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These records, stored either physically or digitally, must be verified, uploaded to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), and shared with local courts on a monthly basis.

Each police station will also set up an Electronic Summons Delivery Centre responsible for issuance, acknowledgement and record-keeping of electronic summons and warrants.

The rules include safeguards for protecting identities in sensitive cases—such as those involving women, juveniles, or offences under the POCSO Act. In such instances, personal contact information like phone numbers and e-mail addresses must not be disclosed.

Officials said the move will significantly reduce the clerical burden on the police, freeing up resources for investigation and core law enforcement.