NI Act Section 144: Mode of service of summons
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 · Chapter 17: Of penalties in case of dishonour of certain cheques for insufficiency of funds in the accounts
Also available in: हिंदी
¶(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and for the purposes of this Chapter, a Magistrate issuing a summons to an accused or a witness may direct a copy of summons to be served at the place where such accused or witness ordinarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain, by speed post or by such courier services as are approved by a Court of Session.
¶(2) Where an acknowledgment purporting to be signed by the accused or the witness or an endorsement purported to be made by any person authorised by the postal department or the courier services that the accused or the witness refused to take delivery of summons has been received, the Court issuing the summons may declare that the summons has been duly served.
Official reference: India Code, Government of India — official section HTML — source review: 5 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2026-10-05.Banaka reference transcription of the official HTML snapshot; not an official or certified edition. Source wording and amendment brackets are retained; layout and footnote callouts are omitted. The recorded date is the review snapshot, not a separately dated consolidation. Hindi guides are original explanations. Read the source amendment notes and current judicial interpretation alongside the text. The historical schedule and section 2 are repealed.Read the original schedule and amendment notes
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 138. Dishonour of cheque for insufficiency, etc., of funds in the account
- 139. Presumption in favour of holder
- 140. Defence which may not be allowed in any prosecution under section 138
- 141. Offences by companies
- 142. Cognizance of offences
- 142A. Validation for transfer of pending cases
- 143. Power of Court to try cases summarily
- 143A. Power to direct interim compensation
- 145. Evidence on affidavit
- 146. Bank's slip prima facie evidence of certain facts
- 147. Offences to be compoundable
- 148. Power of Appellate Court to order payment pending appeal against conviction