Dehradun, January 6, 2026: In a significant move aimed at streamlining judicial processes, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed that summons in cheque bounce cases can now be served through digital means such as email and WhatsApp, alongside traditional methods of service. The directive comes through a circular issued by Registrar General Yogesh Kumar Gupta and is expected to expedite the resolution of cheque bounce complaints, which have been a persistent burden on the courts.

Under the newly framed Uttarakhand Electronic Process Rules, 2025, complainants filing cheque bounce cases will no longer be restricted to conventional summons delivery methods. Summons can now be transmitted digitally via email, mobile phones, or messaging applications such as WhatsApp. The circular emphasizes that this modernized procedure is in line with the need to ensure faster communication and efficient judicial redress.

To facilitate digital summons, the complainant is required to provide the accused individual’s email address and WhatsApp contact details at the time of filing the complaint. Additionally, the complainant must submit a mandatory affidavit certifying the authenticity of the information provided. The circular underscores that providing false contact details could attract penal action, maintaining accountability in the digital process.

Every complaint must also include a synopsis in a prescribed format, which will be entered into the court’s computerized system by court staff. This ensures that relevant case information is systematically recorded and accessible for future reference. The circular clarifies that before issuing a digital summons, no additional procedure under Section 223 of the BNNS (Bankers’ Notices and Negotiable Instruments) Act will be required, simplifying procedural formalities for the court staff.

A notable feature of the new procedure is the integration of an online payment facility for the accused. The summons will explicitly mention the online payment option and provide a direct payment link. Through this facility, the accused can deposit the cheque amount by entering the CNR number or relevant case credentials. If payment is successfully made, the court may close the case based on compounding, providing an early relief mechanism and reducing the overall caseload.

The circular also introduces a new draft template in the court’s software, which automatically calculates the limitation period related to the “cause of action” in each case. This automation is expected to minimize delays and human errors in processing summons, further accelerating judicial proceedings.

The Uttarakhand High Court issued these directions in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment in Sanjabij Turi v Kishore S Barkar. In that case, the apex court observed that lakhs of cheque bounce cases are pending nationwide, creating a significant backlog and placing an undue burden on the judicial system. The judgment emphasized the need for innovative procedural solutions to ensure timely justice and reduce congestion in courts.

Registrar General Gupta noted that the high court’s adoption of digital summons is intended to bring relief to both complainants and accused persons by making the process more accessible and transparent. However, the circular also cautioned that any misuse, including providing false email or WhatsApp information, could result in penal action, thereby maintaining the integrity of the process.

The move reflects a broader trend in Indian judiciary towards digitalization of court processes, including e-filing of cases, digital notices, and online payment mechanisms. Legal experts have welcomed the Uttarakhand High Court’s step, noting that it could serve as a model for other states grappling with large volumes of cheque bounce and other civil and criminal cases.

In addition to speeding up the legal process, the digital summons system is expected to reduce administrative costsassociated with physical delivery of notices, particularly in remote areas. It also ensures that accused individuals receive timely information about proceedings against them, thereby safeguarding the principle of natural justice.

This initiative also aligns with the government’s broader push under the National e-Courts Mission to leverage technology in making justice delivery faster, more efficient, and accessible to all sections of society. By integrating online payment options directly into the summons process, the court is providing a mechanism that could significantly reduce prolonged litigation and allow for amicable settlements in cheque bounce disputes.

Lawyers practicing in Uttarakhand have indicated that this step could transform the handling of cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which covers dishonor of cheques. Traditionally, delays in serving summons and difficulties in locating accused individuals have been major hurdles in resolving such cases. Digital communication through WhatsApp and email is expected to bridge this gap effectively.

While the circular lays down clear procedures for digital summons, it also reinforces the need for verification of contact details and authenticity of documents. The affidavit submitted by the complainant will serve as a safeguard against misuse, and the court has emphasized that deliberate misrepresentation may invite strict penalties.

The Uttarakhand High Court’s circular is a landmark step in modernizing judicial procedures, addressing the long-standing backlog in cheque bounce cases, and ensuring speedy and effective delivery of justice. By adopting electronic methods for serving summons, the court aims to create a more responsive, transparent, and accountable judicial system while leveraging technology to benefit all stakeholders in the legal process.

This development marks a notable advance in Indian judicial practice, reflecting the courts’ increasing reliance on technology to manage caseloads and ensure procedural efficiency. As the system rolls out, it is expected to provide a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional summons delivery methods, ensuring timely resolution of disputes and reducing the pressure on the judiciary.

In summary, the Uttarakhand High Court has officially authorized service of summons in cheque bounce cases via email and WhatsApp, requiring accurate contact information, an affidavit certifying authenticity, a digital synopsis of the complaint, and offering online payment options for accused persons. This digital initiative is expected to expedite proceedings, reduce court congestion, and provide early relief mechanisms, marking a significant step in the modernization of judicial processes in India.

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