Mr. Yugadev R vs The State Of Karnataka on 25 March, 2026

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    Karnataka High Court

    Mr. Yugadev R vs The State Of Karnataka on 25 March, 2026

    Author: M.Nagaprasanna

    Bench: M.Nagaprasanna

                               1
    
    
    
    Reserved on   : 04.02.2026
    Pronounced on : 25.03.2026
    
           IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU
    
               DATED THIS THE 25TH DAY OF MARCH, 2026
    
                              BEFORE
                                                                R
            THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. NAGAPRASANNA
    
                  CRIMINAL PETITION No.981 OF 2026
    
    BETWEEN:
    
    MR. YUGADEV R.,
    S/O M.RAJU,
    AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS,
    RESIDING AT NO. 42A,
    IRUSAPPAN STREET,
    CUDDALORE OT, CUDDALORE,
    TAMIL NADU - 607 003
    (JUDICIAL CUSTODY)
                                                     ... PETITIONER
    (BY SRI SYED KHALEEL PASHA, ADVOCATE)
    
    AND:
    
    1 . THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
        REPRESENTED BY ADUGODI P.S.,
        BENGALURU CITY,
        REPRESENTED BY
        THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR,
        HIGH COURT
        BENGALURU - 560 001.
    
    2 . ANKIT BHAUWALA
        W/O SHIVAKUMAR BHAUWALA,
                                  2
    
    
    
       AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS,
       RESIDING AT:NO.59,
       10TH MAIN, 15TH CROSS,
       WILSON GARDEN
       BENGALURU - 560 030.
    
    3 . SUBBAIAH K.G.,
        S/O GANAPATHI K.,
        MAJOR,
        RESIDING AT PRIDE ENCHANTA
        1ST MAIN ROAD,
        RANGANATHAN COLONY
        DEEPANJALI NAGARA,
        BENGALURU - 560 026.
    
    4 . PONAMMA UM
        W/O ANKIT BHAUWALA,
        AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS,
        RESIDING AT NO.59,
        10TH MAIN, 15TH CROSS,
        WILSON GARDEN,
        BENGALURU - 560 030.
                                              ... RESPONDENTS

    (BY SRI K.NAGESHWARAPPA, HCGP FOR R-1)

    THIS CRIMINAL PETITION IS FILED UNDER SECTION 528 OF
    BNSS, PRAYING TO a) QUASH THE ORDER DATED 19.01.2026
    PASSED BY THE XXXIX ACJM COURT IN CR.NO.271/2025 BY
    ADUGODI P.S., THE 1st RESPONDENT POLICE AGAINST THE
    PETITIONER, WHO ARE ACCUSED NO.1, FOR THE OFFENCES P/U/S
    66(C), 66(D) OF I.T ACT, 2000, AND U/S 318(4) OF BNS ACT,
    WHICH IS PENDING ON THE FILES OF HON’BLE XXXIX ACJM,
    BANGALORE COURT AT BANGALORE AND DISMISS THE
    COMPLAINT; b) DIRECT THE POLICE 1st RESPONDENT TO RELEASE
    THE ACCUSED PERSON.

    SPONSORED

    3

    THIS CRIMINAL PETITION HAVING BEEN HEARD AND
    RESERVED FOR ORDERS ON 04.02.2026 COMING ON FOR
    PRONOUNCEMENT THIS DAY, THE COURT MADE THE FOLLOWING:-

    CORAM: THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA

    CAV ORDER

    The petitioner/accused No.1 is before this Court calling in

    question an order dated 19-01-2026 passed by the Senior Civil

    Judge and XXXIX Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bengaluru in

    Crime No.271 of 2025 registered for offences punishable under

    Section 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (‘the

    Act’ for short) and Section 318(4) of the BNS.

    2. Heard Sri Syed Khaleel Pasha, learned counsel appearing

    for the petitioner and Sri K. Nageshwarappa, learned High Court

    Government Pleader appearing for respondent No.1.

    3. Facts, in brief, germane are as follows:-

    3.1. Three complainants come together and register a

    complaint against two persons – one, the petitioner/accused No.1
    4

    and the other, wife of the petitioner/accused No.2. Petitioner along

    with his wife introduced themselves as Yoga teachers and started

    running a Company by name Jai Bhairavi Devi (‘JBD’) Financial

    Solutions. The investments were solicited by opening a website. The

    respondents/complainants were the investors. The complainants are

    said to have invested a total sum of ₹39,20,000/- on a bank

    transfer from their respective accounts. A total collection of ₹98/-

    lakhs was transferred from the petitioner’s account to his wife’s

    account. Alleging foul play, a complaint comes to be registered on

    03-12-2025 for criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and

    causing wrongful loss. Based on the said complaint, a crime in

    Crime No.271 of 2025 comes to be registered for the afore-quoted

    offences on 09-12-2025. All the offences were punishable with

    imprisonment of seven years or less.

    3.2. The Police wanted to serve notice under Section 35(3) of

    the BNSS and began to search for accused No.1. Accused No.1

    dodged the police for more than 40 days and finally the Police

    traced him in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, and served the notice under

    Section 35(3) of the BNSS. Since the petitioner had refused to
    5

    cooperate, he was taken into custody at 5.45 p.m. on 17-01-2026.

    An arrest intimation was issued to the relatives along with grounds

    of arrest. He was produced before the Magistrate on 17-01-2026 at

    9.32 p.m. at his home office, where the Advocate for the accused

    challenged the arrest contending that it was illegal. On 19-01-2026

    he was produced before the jurisdictional Magistrate at Bengaluru

    and a remand application was filed. On 19-01-2026 the concerned

    Court passes an order of arrest. This is what is challenged in the

    case at hand.

    4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would

    vehemently contend that the learned Magistrate has declined to

    accept plethora of submissions with regard to the illegal arrest of

    the petitioner. He would contend that the Police have failed to

    digitally or physically serve the notice under Section 35(3) of the

    BNSS on the petitioner; the Police have failed to observe the

    guidelines rendered by the Apex Court in SATENDER KUMAR

    ANTIL v. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, [(2022) 10

    SCC 51], in not serving notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS

    which is mandatory and its violation would be violative of Article 22
    6

    of the Constitution of India. The Police have failed to serve grounds

    of arrest on the petitioner. In the event the petitioner has not

    cooperated, it is for the Police to draw a mahazar that he has

    refused to accept the notice, intimate to the higher authorities and

    then take him to custody. Even on merits, it does not disclose a

    dishonest intention at the inception. The matter is purely civil in

    nature. There is delay in lodging FIR. He would submit that his right

    of personal liberty under Article 21 is violated.

    5. Per contra, the learned Additional State Public Prosecutor

    Sri B.N.Jagadeesha appearing for respondent No.1 would

    vehemently refute the submission to contend that there is no

    violation of guidelines laid down in SATENDER KUMAR ANTIL’s

    case. The Police tried to serve notice under Section 35(3) of the

    BNSS on the petitioner several times. The Police made every effort

    since the date of registration of FIR by calling him for over 40 days.

    He kept on moving from one place to another to escape arrest.

    Finally, they got him at Cuddalore and when they tried to serve

    35(3) notice, he refused to accept, did not cooperate with the

    police. Therefore, he was arrested. The arrest intimation and
    7

    grounds of arrest were furnished to the petitioner and he was

    produced before the Magistrate within 24 hours. There is no

    violation of any law for the petitioner to project.

    6. I have given my anxious consideration to the submissions

    made by the respective learned counsel and have perused the

    material on record.

    7. The afore-narrated facts and link in the chain of events are

    a matter of record. It would suffice for a resolution of the lis to

    narrate facts, from the day on which the complaint comes to be

    registered. A complaint comes to be registered alleging cheating,

    fraud, misappropriation by the petitioner and his wife, accused Nos.

    1 and 2. Based on the said complaint a crime come to be

    registered on 09-12-2025. The petitioner was not traceable. The

    learned Additional State Public Prosecutor has produced call record

    details and geo-location of the petitioner to contend that he has

    been moving from one place to another dodging service of notice.

    Finally, his location was found in Cuddalore. On 17-01-2026 after

    about 40 days of registration of crime Police moved to serve 35(3)
    8

    notice on the petitioner at Cuddalore. The CDR details also show

    that the Police were trying to call and contact the petitioner for the

    purpose of investigation. A notice that was sought to be served

    against the petitioner, one among the few, reads as follows:

    “Notice U/s 35(3) Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

    Date:16/01/2026

    To,

    Yugadev R
    No-42A, Irusappan Street,
    Cuddalore Tamilnadu-607003

    In exercise of the powers conferred under section 35(3)
    of BNSS, I hereby inform you that during the investigation of
    FIR/Case No.271/2025 U/s 66(c) 66(d) Information
    Technology Act
    & 318(4) BNS registered at Adugodi Police
    Station, Bangalore city, it is revealed that there are reasonable
    grounds to question you to as certain facts and circumstances
    from you, in relation to the present investigation. Hence you are
    directed to appear before me at 11:00 am on 18/01/2026 at
    Adugodi Police Station Bangalore City Karnataka.

    You are directed to comply with all and/or the following
    directions.

    a) You will not commit any offence in future.

    b) You will not tamper with the evidences in the case in any
    manner whatsoever.

    c) You will not make any threat, inducement, or promise to any
    person acquainted with the fact of the case so has to
    dissuade him from disclosing, such facts to the court or to
    the police officer.

    9

    d) You will appear before the court as and when required /
    directed.

    e) You will join the investigation of the case as and when
    required and will cooperate in the investigation.

    f) You will disclose all the facts truthfully without concealing
    any part relavent for the purpose of investigation to reach to
    the right conclusion of the case.

    g) You will produce all relavent documents/material required for
    the purpose of investigation.

    h) You will render your full co-operation/assistance in
    apprehension of the accomplice.

    i) You will not allow in any manner destruction of any evidence
    relevant for the purpose of investigation/ trial of the case.

    Failure to attend/comply with the terms of this notice,
    can render you liable for arrest under section 36 BNSS.

    Enclosures:

    Copy of FIR No.271/2025.

    Investigation officer.

    Sd/-

    Police Inspector
    Adugodi Police Station
    Bengaluru – 560 030.”

    The Police have tried to issue notice to the petitioner in the past as

    well, which are found in the investigation papers. The petitioner was

    finally found on 17-01-2026. On 17-01-2026 the Police record the

    following:

                                 "....       ....   ....
                                          10
    
    
    
                      ಾಂಕ: 17/01/2026 ರಂದು ೆ         ೆ ಆ ೋ   ಯುಗ ೇ .ಆ , ಾಸ ನಂ:42
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                   ಕಲಂ       35(3)   C.ಎ .ಎD.ಎD-2023           EFೕD      ೋGೕD-=ೕ5 ಾಗ
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                   ಸW ೕಯ EFೕಸರ ಸಹMಾರ ಂದ ಸW ೕಯ EFೕD Zಾ?ೆ ೆ                           ೆ   ೆ 07:45
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                                                                         ಾಂಕ
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    ಜನರ ಗುಂಪU XೇJ       ತ     Mೊಳcಲು ಪ9ಯತ1 4ಾಡು<3ದJ
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    ಪPೆಯYಾB ೆ.ೆ ಉ ೇಶ ಪaವSಕ ಾB ಕಲಂ 35(3) C.ಎ
                                           ಎ .ಎD
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    4ಾಡ ೆ ಇರುವU ಲV ಎಂಬುದನು1 4ಾನN ಾNfಾಲಯMೆe Cನ1. Mೊಳcಲು 4ಾನNರFV MೋJ ೆ”

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    EFೕD ಇ i ^ೆಕj
    ಆಡು ೋ5 EFೕಸ
    ೆಂಗಳkರು ನಗರ-30″

    11

    The arrest intimation was issued to the petitioner, which reads as

    follows:

    “Arrest Intimation

    You are here by informed that you are arrested on 17-01-2026, at
    05:45pm in Adugodi Police Station Cr No. 271/2025 U/s 66(c), 66(d) IT
    Act
    & 318(4) BNS Act 2023. Arrest formalities are followed as per
    Honourable Supreme Court guidelines. You have a right to contact your
    relatives/friends/advocates in this regard.

    Accused Signature:

    A-1-Yugadev R S/o M Raju, 35 Years
    No.424, Irusapan Street, Cuddalore OT, Cuddalore,
    Tamil nadu-607003.

    Sd/-

    Investigating Officer
    Sd/-

    POLICE INSPECTOR
    ADUGODI POLICE STATION
    BANGALORE CITY – 560 030

    Arrest Intimation to Relatives

    You are here by informed that your relative Yugadev R S/o M Raju, 35
    Years was arrested by following Honourable Supreme Court guidelines on
    17/01/2026, at 05:45pm in Adugodi Police Station Cr No. 271/2025 U/s
    66(c), 66(d) IT Act & 318(4) BNS Act 2023. He is kept in Adugodi Police
    Station until production before 39th ACJM Court, Bangalore city.

    Accused Signature:

    Accused Relative Signature:
    Arrest Intimation given his father
    through Phone his Mo
    No.9629303506

    Investigating Officer
    12

    Sd/-

    POLICE INSPECTOR

    ADUGODI POLICE STATION
    BANGALORE CITY-560030.

    Medical Examination Memo

    You are here by informed that you are arrested on 17/01/2026, at
    07:45 Hrs in Adugodi Police Station Cr No. 271/2025 U/s 66(c), 66(d) IT
    Act
    & 318(4) BNS Act 2023. Seeking your opinion whether you are
    interested to undergo medical examination or not?

    Accused Opinion: Needed/ Not needed
    Accused Signature: Sd/-

    Investigating Office
    Sd/-

    POLICE INSPECTOR
    ADUGODI POLICE STATION
    BANGALORE CITY-560030″

    A medical examination was also drawn. Later, the grounds of

    arrest were also served upon the petitioner and the petitioner was

    produced before the Magistrate at Cuddalore at 9.32 p.m. The

    petitioner was then brought before the jurisdictional Magistrate at

    Bengaluru after conduct of a medical examination and on

    19-01-2026 the impugned order is passed. It reads as follows:

    “CR.No.271/2025

    Accused was produced by PSI Raghavendra HC 11759, PC
    16079 of Adugudi PS at 9:32pm on 17/1/2026 at home office
    Mr.SKP advocate filed memo and vakalath for accused by name
    13

    Yugadev aged 35 years. Accused advocate stated arrest is illegal
    apposed police custody which is sought by the IO. Heard

    whether illegal arrest, order on 18/1/2026(Sunday) on
    19/1/2026 (Monday) as necessary order has to be passed,
    whether arrest is illegal or not, hence accused if ordered to be
    taken back to be retained police station on legality of arrest.

    Sd/-

    19/1/2026

    ORDER ON ARREST

    Accused No.1 advocate has contended that accused No.1 was
    illegally arrested by not complying notice formalities to be given
    to accused as offence is punishable below 7 years as accused
    have been charge sheet for offence under section 66(c) 66(d) of
    Information Technology Act and under section 318(4) of BNS

    The accused advocate has referred on citation of Hon’ble
    SC in Satander Kumar Antil VS CBI and another
    judgement of supreme court misapplication
    No.2034/2022 and MA 1849/2021 in SLP CC
    No.5191/2021. The accused advocate contend that
    physical copy of notice is required to be given to the
    accused, instead of whatsapp and other electronic mode
    of intimating accused about the charge offence alleged
    against the accused and to seek accused cooperation to
    investigation based on above citation.

    On the other hand learned Sr APP has addressed arguments
    that CD has been produced wherein IO has gone to the cadlur of
    TamilNadu as accused keeps changing his address from Tamil
    Nadu by obtaining passport (From DCP) to travel to Tamil Nadu
    on 16/1/2026 as per record have reached TN and on 17/1/2026
    at 6:40am on verification of accused address have gone to the
    residence address of accused No.1 and accused has been given
    the physical notice that accused No.1 is stated to have refused
    to receive physical notice, the Adugudi PS has produced CD,
    letter address to local Tamil Nadu police dated 17/1/2026 report
    on non cooperation of accused 1 on refusing to receive notice.
    The above documents reveal that accused No.1 has fail to serve
    notice which was taken by Adugudi PS to receive on the accused
    14

    The Learned S, APP has referred on (Asif Nasruddin Najjushan
    Diwan VS State of Gujarat where 318(4) anticipatory bail has
    been rejected observing that offence involved in white collar and
    socioeconomic offence which is not only against individual and if
    it observed offence against larger social interest.

    In the present case the present crime involve around worth
    Rs.98,42,501/-belonging to one complainant has been alleged
    to have been taken by the accused, which is serious crime which
    is non bailable in nature.

    As per section 35(4) when accused cooperate for
    investigation by receiving notice accused will not be
    arrested if accused refuse to receive notice in such an
    case ground of arrest are by the Adugodi PS as to why
    arrest has warranted in the present crime situation
    where accused 1 started to raise galata taking help of
    other local people and has not cooperated for
    investigation hence this court is of the opinion that arrest
    is warranted in this situation which does not effect the
    Article of the constitution.

    The Adugodi PS has sought for police custody
    stating ground that the accused No.1 has transferred
    amount of Rs.98,42,501/- to his wife A2 and A2 has
    transferred to various shares to collect information about
    the above, to take account statement of A2, to check
    website launched by accused, upon which the
    complainant has believed to invest amount wherein the
    accused No.1 claimed that they had availed permission
    from SEBI to check the genuinity and precision CEBI and
    to take the trading account details wherein accused is
    stated to have invested amount of complainant to take
    unlawful gain hence the court opinion that the arrest in
    the present case is not illegal or it is the accused, when
    he is given opportunity to receive notice and cooperate to
    investigation has not cooperated for investigation which
    has warranted arrest and police custody.

    Hence police custody is given to PS for a days with
    following condition till 27/1/2026 from 19/1/2026 condition are
    typed Above order is passed at 4:30pm on 19/1/2026 to avoid
    delay.

    15

    Received accused No.1

    And PC warrant

    Sd/- 6633

    For the……………

    Sr Civil Judge 39th ACJM

    19/1/2026″

    (sic)

    (Emphasis added at each instance)

    The petitioner challenges the said order on the aforesaid grounds.

    8. The grounds of challenge need not detain this Court for long

    or delve deep into the matter. In its judgment dated 15-01-2026,

    the Apex Court in SATENDER KUMAR ANTIL v. CBI1, has held as

    follows:

                               "........       .........        .........
            DISCUSSION
    
    

    16. An investigation by a police officer generally begins with the
    recording of information regarding an offence. It is a process
    which is primarily aimed at the ascertainment of facts and
    circumstances surrounding an alleged crime and involves the
    police officer proceeding to the spot of occurrence to collect
    evidence and ends with the formation of an opinion as to
    whether, on the basis of the material collected, there is a case to
    place the accused before a Magistrate for trial and, if so, taking
    the necessary steps for the same by filing a charge-sheet. This
    1
    2026 SCC OnLine SC 162
    16

    has been succinctly dealt with by this Court in the case of State of
    Uttar Pradesh v. Bhagwant Kishore Joshi
    , (1964) 3 SCR 71 in the
    following manner:

    “17. What is investigation is not defined in the Code
    of Criminal Procedure
    ; but in H.N. Rishbud and Inder
    Singh v. State of Delhi
    [(1954) 2 SCC 934 : (1955) 1 SCR
    1150, 1157-58] this Court has described, the
    procedure, for investigation as follows:

    “Thus, under the Code investigation consists generally
    of the following steps, (1) Proceeding to the spot, (2)
    Ascertainment of the facts and circumstances of the
    case, (3) Discovery and arrest of the suspected
    offender, (4) Collection of evidence relating to the
    commission of the offence which may consist of (a)
    the examination of various persons (including the
    accused) and the reduction of their statements into
    writing, if the officer thinks fit, (b) the search of
    places of seizure of things considered necessary for
    the investigation and to be produced at the trial, and
    (5) formation of the opinion as to whether on the
    material collected there is a case to place the accused
    before a Magistrate for trial and if so taking the
    necessary steps for the same by the filing of a charge-

    sheet under Section 173.”

    This Court, however, has not said that if a police officer
    takes merely one or two of the steps indicated by it, what he
    has done must necessarily be regarded as
    investigation. Investigation, in substance, means
    collection of evidence relating to the commission of the
    offence. The Investigating Officer is, for this purpose,
    entitled to question persons who, in his opinion, are
    able to throw light on the offence which has been
    committed and is likewise entitled to question the
    suspect and is entitled to reduce the statements of
    persons questioned by him to writing. He is also
    entitled to search the place of the offence and to
    search other places with the object of seizing articles
    connected with the offence. No doubt, for this purpose
    he has to proceed to the spot where the offence was
    committed and do various other things. But the main
    object of investigation being to bring home the offence
    to the offender the essential part of the duties of an
    Investigating Officer in this connection is, apart from
    arresting the offender, to collect all material necessary
    17

    for establishing the accusation against the offender.
    Merely making some preliminary enquiries upon
    receipt of information from an anonymous source or a
    source of doubtful reliability for checking up the
    correctness of the information does not amount to
    collection of evidence and so cannot be regarded as
    investigation. In the absence of any prohibition in the
    Code, express or implied, I am of opinion that it is
    open to a police officer to make preliminary enquiries
    before registering an offence and making a full scale
    investigation into it…”

    (emphasis supplied)

    17. An arrest, being an act done by a police officer in
    furtherance of an investigation, is discretionary and
    optional to be applied on the facts of a particular case.
    Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023 provides for situations where
    a person may be arrested by a police officer, without a
    warrant.

    Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023

    “35. When police may arrest without warrant.–

    (1) Any police officer may without an order from a
    Magistrate and without a warrant, arrest any person–

    (a) who commits, in the presence of a police officer,
    a cognizable offence; or

    (b) against whom a reasonable complaint has been
    made, or credible information has been received,
    or a reasonable suspicion exists that he has
    committed a cognizable offence punishable with
    imprisonment for a term which may be less than
    seven years or which may extend to seven years
    whether with or without fine, if the following
    conditions are satisfied, namely:–

    (i) the police officer has reason to believe on the
    basis of such complaint, information, or
    suspicion that such person has committed
    the said offence;

    (ii) the police officer is satisfied that such arrest
    is necessary–

    (a) to prevent such person from committing
    any further offence; or
    18

    (b) for proper investigation of the offence;

    or

    (c) to prevent such person from causing the
    evidence of the offence to disappear or
    tampering with such evidence in any
    manner; or

    (d) to prevent such person from making any
    inducement, threat or promise to any
    person acquainted with the facts of the
    case so as to dissuade him from
    disclosing such facts to the Court or to
    the police officer; or

    (e) as unless such person is arrested, his
    presence in the Court whenever required
    cannot be ensured,
    and the police officer shall record while making such
    arrest, his reasons in writing:

    Provided that a police officer shall, in all cases where
    the arrest of a person is not required under the
    provisions of this sub-section, record the reasons in
    writing for not making the arrest; or

    (c) against whom credible information has been received
    that he has committed a cognizable offence punishable
    with imprisonment for a term which may extend to more
    than seven years whether with or without fine or with
    death sentence and the police officer has reason to believe
    on the basis of that information that such person has
    committed the said offence; or

    (d) who has been proclaimed as an offender either under
    this Sanhita or by order of the State Government; or

    (e) in whose possession anything is found which may
    reasonably be suspected to be stolen property and who
    may reasonably be suspected of having committed an
    offence with reference to such thing; or

    (f) who obstructs a police officer while in the execution of
    his duty, or who has escaped, or attempts to escape, from
    lawful custody; or

    (g) who is reasonably suspected of being a deserter from
    any of the Armed Forces of the Union; or

    (h) who has been concerned in, or against whom a
    reasonable complaint has been made, or credible
    information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion
    exists, of his having been concerned in, any act committed
    at any place out of India which, if committed in India,
    would have been punishable as an offence, and for which
    19

    he is, under any law relating to extradition, or otherwise,
    liable to be apprehended or detained in custody in India;
    or

    (i) who, being a released convict, commits a breach of any
    rule made under sub-section (5) of Section 394; or

    (j) for whose arrest any requisition, whether written or
    oral, has been received from another police officer,
    provided that the requisition specifies the person to be
    arrested and the offence or other cause for which the
    arrest is to be made and it appears therefrom that the
    person might lawfully be arrested without a warrant by
    the officer who issued the requisition.
    (2) Subject to the provisions of Section 39, no person
    concerned in a non-cognizable offence or against whom a
    complaint has been made or credible information has been
    received or reasonable suspicion exists of his having so
    concerned, shall be arrested except under a warrant or order
    of a Magistrate.

    (3) The police officer shall, in all cases where the
    arrest of a person is not required under sub-section
    (1) issue a notice directing the person against whom a
    reasonable complaint has been made, or credible
    information has been received, or a reasonable
    suspicion exists that he has committed a cognizable
    offence, to appear before him or at such other place as
    may be specified in the notice.

    (4) Where such a notice is issued to any person, it
    shall be the duty of that person to comply with the
    terms of the notice.

    (5) Where such person complies and continues to
    comply with the notice, he shall not be arrested in
    respect of the offence referred to in the notice unless,
    for reasons to be recorded, the police officer is of the
    opinion that he ought to be arrested.

    (6) Where such person, at any time, fails to comply
    with the terms of the notice or is unwilling to identify
    himself, the police officer may, subject to such orders
    as may have been passed by a competent Court in this
    behalf, arrest him for the offence mentioned in the
    notice.

    (7) No arrest shall be made without prior permission of an
    officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police
    in case of an offence which is punishable for imprisonment of
    less than three years and such person is infirm or is above
    sixty years of age.”

    20

    (emphasis supplied)

    18. Section 35(1) of the BNSS, 2023, through the use of the
    word “may,” makes the position of law rather clear that the power
    of arrest is discretionary and optional. The power of arrest under
    Section 35(1)(a) to Section 35(1)(j) of the BNSS, 2023 are
    distinct and different from each other, with the commonality
    being an offence which is cognizable in nature.

    19. To attract the power of arrest under
    Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, the conditions
    mentioned thereunder ought to be complied with
    scrupulously. Section 35(1)(b)(i) and
    Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 must be read
    together, meaning thereby that compliance with
    Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS, 2023 is a sine qua non in
    all cases of arrest.

    20. Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS, 2023 speaks about
    the “reason to believe” on the part of the police officer.
    Such a reason to believe should be formed on the basis of a
    complaint, information, or suspicion that the person
    concerned has committed the offence. However, this alone
    would not suffice. Additionally, any one of the conditions
    mentioned under Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS,
    2023 must also be satisfied. In other words, it is not
    required that all the conditions mentioned under
    Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 should be available,
    but only the existence of one of them that is required.

    21. After being satisfied that there is a necessity of arrest,
    a police officer is bound to record his reasons either for
    arrest, as provided for under Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS,
    2023, or for merely issuing a notice under Section 35(3) of
    the BNSS, 2023. Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, thus,
    carves out an exception, with its inbuilt safeguards.

    22. Suffice it is to state that an investigation can go on even
    without an arrest. While undertaking the exercise of collecting the
    evidence for the purpose of forming his opinion over the
    commission of a cognizable offence, a police officer shall pose a
    21

    question, to himself, on the necessity of an arrest. This safeguard
    is provided as, in any case, the power to arrest an accused person
    is always available with a police officer even after he records his
    reasons, in writing, for not doing so at an earlier stage.

    Joginder Kumar v. State of UP, (1994) 4 SCC 260

    “20…No arrest can be made because it is lawful for
    the police officer to do so. The existence of the power
    to arrest is one thing. The justification for the exercise
    of it is quite another. The police officer must be able to
    justify the arrest apart from his power to do so. Arrest
    and detention in police lock-up of a person can cause
    incalculable harm to the reputation and self-esteem of
    a person. No arrest can be made in a routine manner
    on a mere allegation of commission of an offence made
    against a person. It would be prudent for a police
    officer in the interest of protection of the
    constitutional rights of a citizen and perhaps in his
    own interest that no arrest should be made without a
    reasonable satisfaction reached after some
    investigation as to the genuineness and bona fides of a
    complaint and a reasonable belief both as to the
    person’s complicity and even so as to the need to
    effect arrest. Denying a person of his liberty is a
    serious matter. The recommendations of the Police
    Commission merely reflect the constitutional concomitants of
    the fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom. A
    person is not liable to arrest merely on the suspicion of
    complicity in an offence. There must be some reasonable
    justification in the opinion of the officer effecting the
    arrest that such arrest is necessary and justified.
    Except in heinous offences, an arrest must be avoided
    if a police officer issues notice to person to attend the
    Station House and not to leave the station without
    permission would do.”

    (emphasis supplied)

    23. Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023, once again, reiterates
    the object of the enactment that an arrest by a police
    officer is not mandatory in all cases. This provision applies
    to all cognizable offences. However, insofar as the offences
    punishable with imprisonment up to a period of 7 years are
    concerned, this provision will have to be read along with
    22

    Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, and its proviso which
    mandates the furnishing of reasons, in writing, for both,
    making an arrest and when there is no requirement to do
    so. As stated above, the requirement of not arresting an
    accused is qua the stage of issuing notice under
    Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023. Hence, it is amply clear
    that a harmonious construction of Section 35(1)(b) and
    Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 needs to be made.

    Satender Kumar Antil v. Central Bureau of Investigation, 2025
    SCC OnLine SC 1578

    “22. Section 35(4) of the BNSS, 2023 imposes a
    duty on the recipient of the notice to the effect that
    once the notice is served, the person must comply with
    every term of the notice. Section 35(5) of the BNSS,
    2023 provides that as long as the person to whom the
    notice is issued, appears as is required and continues
    to comply with the notice, they cannot be arrested in
    relation to the alleged offence. Arrest may be made
    only if the Investigating Agency records specific
    reasons as to why the arrest is necessary.”

    (emphasis supplied)

    24. Section 35(5) of the BNSS, 2023 facilitates the liberty
    of a person by imposing an implied prohibition of arrest
    when a person complies with a notice issued under
    Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023. This provision reiterates
    the fact that any subsequent arrest, being an exception, is
    warranted only when a police officer forms an opinion for
    such an arrest, which he is duty bound to record, in
    writing, by furnishing adequate reasons.

    25. With respect to the submission made by the leaned
    Amicus, qua the contradiction in the reasoning of the High Court
    of Bombay in Chandrashekhar Bhimsen Naik (supra), on a reading
    of the judgment, we did not find any contradiction, as stated. The
    judgment has clearly dealt with the mandatory compliance of the
    provisions of Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023, by the police officer.

    23

    26. Hence, we give our imprimatur to the views expressed
    by the High Court of Bombay and, as already observed by
    us in this order that, as a matter of course, a notice under
    Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 is to be issued to an
    accused or any individual concerned, qua an offence
    punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years and, that, as
    long as a person to whom a notice under Section 35(3) of
    the BNSS, 2023 is issued has complied and continues to
    comply with the terms of the notice then, as per
    Section 35(5) of the BNSS, 2023, it is not open for the
    police officer to arrest him unless, for reasons to be
    recorded, the police officer is of the opinion that he ought
    to be arrested.

    Satender Kumar Antil v. Central Bureau of Investigation, 2025
    SCC OnLine SC 1578

    “23. Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023 lays down the
    procedure to be followed in case of non-compliance
    with the notice issued by the Investigating Agency
    under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023. Non-
    compliance with a notice does not ipso facto mandate
    arrest, as there lies a discretion with the Investigating
    Agency, which must be of the opinion that the arrest of
    the concerned person is necessary for the purpose of
    investigation. In other words, failure to comply with
    the notice does not lead to automatic arrest. Rather, it
    is the last resort available to the Investigating Agency,
    after due exercise of discretion regarding the necessity
    of arrest.

    24. Therefore, the abovementioned provision
    contains an element of substantivity, which becomes
    evident from the discretion provided to the
    Investigating Agency. The substantive element is in
    the nature of a safeguard, especially when the liberty
    of an individual is involved.

    25. The protection of one’s liberty is a crucial
    aspect of the right to life guaranteed to each and every
    individual, under Article 21 of the Constitution of
    India (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Constitution’). The
    procedure encapsulated in Section 35(6) of the BNSS,
    2023, seeks to secure this fundamental right, from
    24

    encroachment by the relevant Authority, and
    therefore, any attempt to interpret the provision as a
    mere procedural one, would amount to rewriting the
    provision itself.”

    (emphasis supplied)

    27. We have already clarified the position qua Section 35(6) of
    the BNSS, 2023 in our earlier order dated 16.07.2025 wherein, it
    has been stated that even assuming that the person to whom a
    notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 has been issued,
    fails to comply with the terms of the notice or is unwilling to
    identify himself, an arrest is not a matter of course.

    28. We have also clarified, on the earlier occasion, that the
    procedure contained in Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023 has been
    introduced on the touchstone of Article 21 of the Constitution of
    India. These inbuilt safeguards are required to be complied with
    by the police officer, in letter and spirit.

    29. From a conspectus of the above, it is amply clear that
    even if the conditions mentioned under Section 35(1)(b) of
    the BNSS, 2023 are in existence, there can be no
    mandatory arrest, as a police officer still may or may not
    decide to do so.

    30. While making an arrest under Section 35(6) of
    the BNSS, 2023, after the stage of issuing a notice seeking
    presence under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023, the
    circumstances and factors that were in existence at the
    time of issuing the said notice shall not be taken into
    consideration by a police officer while making an arrest
    subsequently. In other words, for effecting an arrest under
    Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023, it must be based upon
    materials and factors which were not available with the
    police officer at the time of issuing a notice under
    Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023. Therefore, the power of
    arrest under Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023 is to be
    exercised rather sparingly, only under circumstances as
    aforementioned.

    25

    31. Hence, we have no hesitation to hold that a notice
    under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 to an accused or
    any individual concerned, qua an offence punishable with
    imprisonment up to 7 years, is the rule, while an arrest
    under Section 35(6) read with Section 35(1)(b) of
    the BNSS, 2023, is a clear exception.

    CONCLUSION

    32. The power of arrest under Section 35(6) read with
    Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023 must be interpreted as
    a strict objective necessity, and not a subjective
    convenience for the police officer. It does not mean the
    police officer can arrest to simply ask questions. However,
    it means that the police officer must satisfy himself that
    the investigation, qua an offence punishable with
    imprisonment up to 7 years, cannot proceed effectively
    without taking the concerned individual into custody. Any
    interpretation to the contrary would clearly frustrate the
    purpose and legislative intent of Sections 35(1)(b) and
    Sections 35(3) to 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023.

    33. On the basis of the interpretation given by us, we conclude as
    follows:

    a. An arrest by a police officer is a mere statutory discretion
    which facilitates him to conduct proper investigation, in the
    form of collection of evidence and, therefore, shall not be
    termed as mandatory.

    b. Consequently, the police officer shall ask himself the
    question as to whether an arrest is a necessity or not, before
    undertaking the said exercise.

    c. For effecting an arrest, qua an offence punishable with
    imprisonment up to 7 years, the mandate of
    Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS, 2023 along with any
    one of the conditions mentioned in
    Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 must be in
    existence.

    26

    d. A notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 to an
    accused or any individual concerned, qua offences
    punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years, is the
    rule.

    e. Even if the circumstances warranting an arrest of a
    person are available in terms of the conditions
    mentioned under Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023,
    the arrest shall not be undertaken, unless it absolutely
    warranted.

    f. Power of arrest under Section 35(6) read with
    Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, pursuant to a
    notice issued under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 is
    not a matter of routine, but an exception, and the
    police officer is expected to be circumspect and slow
    in exercising the said power.”

    The Apex Court holds that Police can arrest a person for offences

    punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years, provided they have

    reason to believe under Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS that such

    arrest is required for the reasons which fall within Section

    35(1)(b)(ii). Issuance of notice under Section 35(3) for offences

    punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years is the rule and arrest

    under Section 35(6) read with Section 35(1)(b) is an exception. The

    Apex Court holds that if Police have reasons to believe that the

    accused is not cooperating with the investigation, those reasons to

    believe can form the grounds of arrest. In the case at hand crime

    is registered on 09-12-2025. Crime may be of any kind, but they
    27

    are offences punishable with 7 years or less of imprisonment.

    Therefore, resort to arrest at the outset is not the power of the

    Police. It is only to serve a notice under Section 35(3) and direct

    the accused to participate in the investigation. At the time when

    the accused would not cooperate with receiving the notice or

    otherwise, the accused would become open to arrest.

    9. In the case at hand, the accused had dodged service of

    notice for over 40 days. The call record details of the

    accused/petitioner reveal that he was roaming all over the place

    and finally the Police found him at Cuddalore after 40 days. The

    Police have drawn reasons for arrest that the accused has been

    absconding. The jurisdictional magistrate in the impugned order

    also records that the petitioner did not accept the notice under

    Section 35(3) of the BNSS and refused to cooperate with the

    investigation and his arrest. Therefore, the arrest that is made is in

    strict consonance with the findings of the Apex Court in the

    aforesaid judgment.

    28

    10. The next submission is that instead of searching the

    petitioner to serve the notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, it

    could have been very well sent electronically. The Apex Court while

    considering this very issue in its judgment dated 16-07-2025, in

    SATENDER KUMAR ANTIL v. CBI2, has held as follows:

    “…….. ……… ……..

    18. The issue before us lies within a narrow compass –

    whether the usage of electronic communication can also be
    extended to the procedure governing the service of a
    notice, contemplated under Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023.
    To answer the same, a purposive interpretation must be given to
    the BNSS, 2023, especially the aforementioned provision.

    NOTICES BY THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    19. The BNSS, 2023, keeping in tune with the erstwhile
    provisions of the CrPC, 1973 provides for situations where a
    person may be arrested by the Investigating Agency, without a
    warrant.

    Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023

    “35. When police may arrest without warrant.–

    (1) Any police officer may without an order from a Magistrate
    and without a warrant, arrest any person–

    (a) who commits, in the presence of a police officer, a
    cognizable offence; or

    (b) against whom a reasonable complaint has been made,
    or credible information has been received, or a
    reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed a
    cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment for a
    term which may be less than seven years or which
    may extend to seven years whether with or without

    2
    2025 SCC OnLine SC 1578
    29

    fine, if the following conditions are satisfied,
    namely:–

    (i) the police officer has reason to believe on the basis
    of such complaint, information, or suspicion that
    such person has committed the said offence;

    (ii) the police officer is satisfied that such arrest is
    necessary–

    (a) to prevent such person from committing any
    further offence; or

    (b) for proper investigation of the offence; or

    (c) to prevent such person from causing the
    evidence of the offence to disappear or
    tampering with such evidence in any manner; or

    (d) to prevent such person from making any
    inducement, threat or promise to any person
    acquainted with the facts of the case so as to
    dissuade him from disclosing such facts to the
    Court or to the police officer; or

    (e) as unless such person is arrested, his presence in
    the Court whenever required cannot be ensured,
    and the police officer shall record while making
    such arrest, his reasons in writing:

    Provided that a police officer shall, in all
    cases where the arrest of a person is not
    required under the provisions of this sub-
    section, record the reasons in writing for not
    making the arrest; or

    (c) against whom credible information has been received
    that he has committed a cognizable offence punishable
    with imprisonment for a term which may extend to more
    than seven years whether with or without fine or with
    death sentence and the police officer has reason to believe
    on the basis of that information that such person has
    committed the said offence; or

    (d) who has been proclaimed as an offender either under
    this Sanhita or by order of the State Government; or

    (e) in whose possession anything is found which may
    reasonably be suspected to be stolen property and who
    may reasonably be suspected of having committed an
    offence with reference to such thing; or

    (f) who obstructs a police officer while in the execution of
    his duty, or who has escaped, or attempts to escape, from
    lawful custody; or
    30

    (g) who is reasonably suspected of being a deserter from
    any of the Armed Forces of the Union; or

    (h) who has been concerned in, or against whom a
    reasonable complaint has been made, or credible
    information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion
    exists, of his having been concerned in, any act committed
    at any place out of India which, if committed in India,
    would have been punishable as an offence, and for which
    he is, under any law relating to extradition, or otherwise,
    liable to be apprehended or detained in custody in India;
    or

    (i) who, being a released convict, commits a breach of any
    rule made under sub-section (5) of Section 394; or

    (j) for whose arrest any requisition, whether written or
    oral, has been received from another police officer,
    provided that the requisition specifies the person to be
    arrested and the offence or other cause for which the
    arrest is to be made and it appears therefrom that the
    person might lawfully be arrested without a warrant by
    the officer who issued the requisition.
    (2) Subject to the provisions of Section 39, no person
    concerned in a non-cognizable offence or against whom a
    complaint has been made or credible information has been
    received or reasonable suspicion exists of his having so
    concerned, shall be arrested except under a warrant or order
    of a Magistrate.

    (3) The police officer shall, in all cases where the
    arrest of a person is not required under sub-section
    (1) issue a notice directing the person against whom a
    reasonable complaint has been made, or credible
    information has been received, or a reasonable
    suspicion exists that he has committed a cognizable
    offence, to appear before him or at such other place as
    may be specified in the notice.

    (4) Where such a notice is issued to any person, it
    shall be the duty of that person to comply with the
    terms of the notice.

    (5) Where such person complies and continues to
    comply with the notice, he shall not be arrested in
    respect of the offence referred to in the notice unless,
    for reasons to be recorded, the police officer is of the
    opinion that he ought to be arrested.

    (6) Where such person, at any time, fails to comply
    with the terms of the notice or is unwilling to identify
    himself, the police officer may, subject to such orders
    31

    as may have been passed by a competent Court in this
    behalf, arrest him for the offence mentioned in the
    notice.

    (7) No arrest shall be made without prior permission of an
    officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police
    in case of an offence which is punishable for imprisonment of
    less than three years and such person is infirm or is above
    sixty years of age.”

    (emphasis supplied)

    20. Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023 provides for arrest of
    persons by the Investigating Agency, ensuring that the concerned
    person appears before the Investigating Agency and cooperates
    with the investigation. The provision delineates the prerequisites
    that must be fulfilled before a person can be arrested without a
    warrant, keeping in mind the laudable objective of safeguarding
    the liberty of an individual. The legislative intent behind the
    provision is that of restricting arbitrary arrests.

    21. Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 mandates the service of
    a notice whenever the Investigating Agency, on the basis of a
    reasonable complaint, credible information or suspicion,
    determines that a person may have committed a cognizable
    offence, but does not deem the arrest of such person necessary.
    In such a scenario, the Investigating Agency is mandated
    to issue a written notice directing the person to appear
    before it, or at such other place as may be specified in the
    notice.

    22. Section 35(4) of the BNSS, 2023 imposes a duty on
    the recipient of the notice to the effect that once the notice
    is served, the person must comply with every term of the
    notice. Section 35(5) of the BNSS, 2023 provides that as
    long as the person to whom the notice is issued, appears
    as is required and continues to comply with the notice,
    they cannot be arrested in relation to the alleged offence.
    Arrest may be made only if the Investigating Agency
    records specific reasons as to why the arrest is necessary.

    32

    23. Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023 lays down the procedure
    to be followed in case of non-compliance with the notice issued by
    the Investigating Agency under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023.
    Non-compliance with a notice does not ipso facto mandate arrest,
    as there lies a discretion with the Investigating Agency, which
    must be of the opinion that the arrest of the concerned person is
    necessary for the purpose of investigation. In other words, failure
    to comply with the notice does not lead to automatic arrest.
    Rather, it is the last resort available to the Investigating Agency,
    after due exercise of discretion regarding the necessity of arrest.

    24. Therefore, the abovementioned provision contains
    an element of substantivity, which becomes evident from
    the discretion provided to the Investigating Agency. The
    substantive element is in the nature of a safeguard,
    especially when the liberty of an individual is involved.

    25. The protection of one’s liberty is a crucial aspect of
    the right to life guaranteed to each and every individual,
    under Article 21 of the Constitution of India (hereinafter
    referred to as the ‘Constitution’). The procedure
    encapsulated in Section 35(6) of the BNSS, 2023, seeks to
    secure this fundamental right, from encroachment by the
    relevant Authority, and therefore, any attempt to interpret
    the provision as a mere procedural one, would amount to
    rewriting the provision itself.

    26. Thus, service of a notice under Section 35 of
    the BNSS, 2023 needs to be carried out in a manner that
    protects this substantive right, as non-compliance with the
    notice can have a drastic effect on the liberty of an
    individual.

    27. The Legislature, in its wisdom, has specifically
    excluded the service of a notice under Section 35 of
    the BNSS, 2023 from the ambit of procedures permissible
    through electronic communication, that have been
    delineated under Section 530 of the BNSS, 2023.

    28. While interpreting a statute, the legislative intent is
    to be gathered from a plain and simple reading of the
    33

    language employed in the provisions, in a purposive
    manner, thereby upholding the objective behind the
    enactment. On a plain reading of the BNSS, 2023, the
    restrictions imposed by the Legislature on the use of
    electronic communication, to only certain procedures,
    precludes the use of electronic communication for any
    other procedure, for which it has not been specifically
    permitted by the BNSS, 2023.

    29. This interpretation is countenanced by the objective
    sought to be achieved by the BNSS, 2023. As highlighted
    hereinbefore, the essence of Article 21 of
    the Constitution imbues the BNSS, 2023, which reflects the
    laudable objective of safeguarding the liberty of an
    individual, while facilitating the investigation into and
    adjudication of offences. The abovementioned restrictions
    on the usage of the mode of electronic communication,
    have been imposed in order to safeguard the right to life
    and personal liberty, guaranteed to an individual by the
    Constitution, from being impinged during the course of
    criminal investigation and proceedings.

    30. Hence, it is manifestly apparent that the Legislature
    has particularly specified the circumstances in which usage
    of modes of electronic communication is permissible, being
    circumstances which do not have a bearing on the liberty
    of an individual.

    SUMMONS BY THE COURT

    31. Another line of reasoning presented before this
    Court, is regarding the permissibility of the usage of
    electronic communication for the issuance of summons by
    the Court, under the BNSS, 2023. To consider the same,
    this Court must delve into the nature of proceedings
    pertaining to a notice under Section 35 of the BNSS,
    2023 vis-a-vis a summons under Sections 63, 64 and 71 of
    the BNSS, 2023.

    …….. ……… ……..

    38. The contention of the applicant that a notice under
    Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023 falls within the same
    34

    category as a summons under Section 71 of the BNSS,
    2023, and therefore, since the latter allows electronic
    mode of service, the former must also be permitted to be
    transmitted electronically, cannot be accepted, for the
    simple reason that a summons under Section 71 of
    the BNSS, 2023, has no immediate bearing on the liberty of
    an individual in case of its non-compliance. However, a
    notice under Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023 could have an
    immediate bearing on the liberty of the individual in case
    of its non-compliance, as laid down under Section 35(6) of
    the BNSS, 2023.

    39. Furthermore,a summons issued by a Court under
    Sections 63 or 71 of the BNSS, 2023, and a notice issued
    by the Investigating Agency under Section 35 of the BNSS,
    2023 travel on different footings and cannot be equated
    with each other. A summons issued by a Court is a judicial
    act, whereas a notice issued by the Investigating Agency is
    an executive act. Hence, the procedure prescribed for a
    judicial act cannot be read into the procedure prescribed
    for an executive act.

    EXPLICIT MENTION OF THE USAGE OF ELECTRONIC MODE
    IN THE CONTEXT OF THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    40. We further wish to take note of the fact that the BNSS,
    2023 does not entirely preclude the use of electronic
    communication by the Investigating Agency. The Legislature has
    envisioned the use of electronic communication, during the course
    of investigation, and upon completion of investigation by the
    Investigating Agency, specifically provided for under
    Sections 94(1) and 193(3) of the BNSS, 2023 respectively.

    …….. ……… ……..

    41. The usage of electronic communication by the
    Investigating Agency, has only been provided for effecting
    the procedure under Sections 94 and 193 of the BNSS,
    2023.

    42. Section 94 deals with issuance of summons, in an
    electronic form, to produce a document. Section 193 deals with
    the usage of electronic communication for forwarding the report
    35

    to a Magistrate, upon completion of the investigation, or to inform
    the progress of the investigation to the informant or victim. None
    of these procedures have any bearing on the liberty of an
    individual.

    43. Hence, when viewed from any lens, we are unable to
    convince ourselves that electronic communication is a valid
    mode of service of notice under Section 35 of the BNSS,
    2023, since its conscious omission is a clear manifestation
    of the legislative intent. Introducing a procedure into
    Section 35 of the BNSS, 2023, that has not been
    specifically provided for by the Legislature, would be
    violative of its intent.”

    (Emphasis supplied at each instance)

    The Apex Court holds that electronic communication of the crime or

    any other communication is not what the legislature has thought of.

    Section 35(3) does not empower the Police to communicate an

    electronic copy or by whatsapp the notice or copy of the FIR. It has

    to be mandatorily given physically. Therefore, the Police have been

    searching the petitioner to hand over physical copy of 35(3) notice

    for 40 days. This would be enough circumstance to take the

    petitioner into custody for non-cooperative behaviour of the

    petitioner. No right of the petitioner, much less a constitutional

    right is lost, in the police taking the petitioner into custody. All the

    nuances of arrest are followed in the case at hand and the

    petitioner is then taken into custody. Therefore, the order
    36

    impugned suffers from no illegality and does not deserve to be

    quashed.

    11. Finding no merit in the petition, the petition stands

    rejected.

    SD/-

    (M.NAGAPRASANNA)
    JUDGE

    Bkp
    CT:MJ



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