Jammu/Srinagar, May 26 — In a significant move towards digitising judicial procedures, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has notified a comprehensive set of rules allowing for the electronic issuance, service, and execution of summons, warrants, and other legal processes.
According to The Chenab Times, the notification, dated May 5 and issued by the Home Department under the authority of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, applies exclusively to the Union Territory and aims to streamline service of legal documents via digital platforms including email, messaging apps, and official judicial software systems.
Titled the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Electronic Processes (Issuance, Service and Execution) Rules, 2025, the order states that these provisions “shall come into force from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.”
According to the order, courts across the UT are empowered to issue legal process electronically “through CIS in such forms as set forth in the Second Schedule of the Sanhita.” CIS refers to the Case Information System, used by courts to manage data, while CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) supports police operations.
A key feature of the new framework is the legal recognition of delivery through electronic communication. The government order stipulates that delivery via “disclosed electronic mail address” or messaging applications shall be considered valid if accompanied by a screenshot or photograph showing confirmation of delivery. This proof, the order says, “shall be kept in record as a proof of service of summons/process.”
Acknowledgment of receipt under these rules can be inferred from “any communication by the addressee, automated or otherwise,” or “any conduct of the addressee” that indicates receipt of the record.
The rules provide clear directives for police officers in cases where verified contact information of the summoned person is unavailable. In such cases, the officer in charge is required to document the absence and execute the service physically in accordance with procedure.
The order also addresses delivery failures, stating that if the communication is “disrupted and undelivered or bounced back for any other reason,” the officer must file a report detailing all delivery attempts including “mobile number, messaging application and screenshot/photo of the application confirmation.”
For warrants or processes requiring in-person delivery but issued electronically, police officers must take printouts and execute them as per the rules laid out in the Sanhita. During such service, officers are permitted to photograph the recipient as part of the service report, a provision aimed at increasing accountability.
Upon execution or failed service, reports and related documents including bail bonds and acknowledgements must be sent to the courts electronically through the CIS or CCTNS platforms. Courts, upon receiving these reports, “may act upon such report as deemed appropriate.”
The order places particular emphasis on protecting the identity of victims in sensitive cases. “Where any process is issued in cases relating to offences under sections 64 to 71… or offences against woman or child… the concerned officer shall ensure that the identity of the victim is not revealed in any manner,” the notification reads.
Legal experts and law enforcement officials are hailing the move as a progressive step towards judicial reform in the region. However, implementation on the ground, particularly in remote areas with limited internet access, may pose challenges.
This notification also makes it clear that these rules do not override existing High Court mandates but rather supplement them. “Any rule made in this behalf shall be in addition to, not in derogation of, any other law or rules made by the High Court,” the order concludes.
The Chenab Times News Desk