The Madras High Court has directed police to use written summons specifying the date and time of attendance when calling a person named in a complaint or a witness for enquiry or investigation.
Judge / Bench — Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan.
Disposing of Crl.O.P. 15130/2026 on 15 October 2026, the court addressed seven petitioners’ allegation of harassment during a pending complaint enquiry. It required summons under Section 179 BNSS and recording of enquiry minutes in the police station’s general, station or daily diary.
Police must refrain from harassment and strictly follow the Supreme Court’s Lalita Kumari guidelines on preliminary enquiry and FIR registration. The court recognised legitimate investigative powers while stating that complaints of harassment could warrant intervention under Section 528 BNSS.
Advocates appearing — Petitioners — G. Mageshkumar. Respondents 1–2 — A. Amarnath, Additional Public Prosecutor. Respondent 3 — Not named in the order.