Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 25: In a major step towards digitising judicial processes, the Goa government has notified the ‘Goa Electronic Processes (Issuance, Service and Execution) Rules, 2025’ under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The move allows courts to issue and serve summons, warrants, and other legal notices electronically.

The notification, issued in consultation with the High Court of Bombay at Goa, enables courts to use the Case Information System (CIS) to generate encrypted and digitally signed documents bearing the court’s seal and eSign. These can be served through secure channels, including email and messaging platforms.

If digital delivery is not feasible or fails due to unavailable contact details, the court may authorise police or designated public servants to physically serve the documents. Police are now required to collect electronic contact details of accused persons and witnesses—such as email IDs, phone numbers, and messaging app handles—during arrest, inquiry, or investigation. These details must be recorded in both the CCTNS and a designated register at each police station, as per Section 64 of the BNSS.

For private complaints, complainants must also submit the electronic details of the accused and witnesses, or declare their unavailability. Courts will use this information for service of process, ensuring all digital records are securely maintained within CIS.

The rules ensure confidentiality, stating that electronic details of victims and witnesses will not be shared with the accused. Email-delivered summons will be considered valid unless bounced, while delivery via messaging apps must be documented with screenshots or proof of receipt, which will be preserved as official record.

Officials believe the move will streamline legal proceedings and improve the efficiency of the justice delivery system.