It is mandatory to provide a copy of the complaint when summoning an individual for inquiry ! : Bombay High Court

Mumbai – The Bombay High Court has ordered the police authorities to furnish a copy of the complaint along with the notice when calling a person for preliminary inquiry, both prior to and following the registration of a case.

The Bombay High Court issued the above directions while noting that, in a case against an establishment, a copy of the complaint had not been furnished when serving notice to the concerned individual. The Court further observed that similar lapses had been noticed in other cases as well. (Why should the High Court have to issue such directions to the police in the first place? When there are already legal provisions on this matter, why are they not being followed? The Court ought also to have sought an explanation on this aspect. This raises concerns about the extent to which the police comply with the law. – Editor)

Stating that even the details of the complaint are often not disclosed by the police—amounting to a violation of the principles of justice—the Bombay High Court issued these directions, relying on judgments of the Supreme Court.