- Definition:
- A written document issued and signed by the Court in duplicate.
- Served on a witness under penalty, requiring them to give evidence on a specific day and time.
- Service:
- Served on the witness by a police officer or other public servant.
- May also be sent by registered post.
- Witness Responsibilities:
- Apart from giving evidence, the witness should produce documents if requested.
- Consequences for Non-Attendance:
- In civil cases, failure to attend the Court results in liability to pay damages.
- In criminal cases, it may lead to a fine or imprisonment.
- Excusal from Attendance:
- A witness can be excused from attending the court if they have a valid and urgent reason.
- Priority of Courts:
- Criminal Courts take priority over Civil Courts.
- Higher Courts have priority over lower ones.
- Handling Multiple Summons:
- If summoned from two courts of the same status, attend the court from where the summons was received first, informing the other court about it.