A court here has criticised the Delhi Police for serving summonses on public witnesses only through WhatsApp and referred the matter to the deputy commissioner of police, West district, for “appropriate action”.
Additional Sessions Judge Hem Raj was hearing a murder case registered at Punjabi Bagh police station which was at the stage of prosecution evidence.
Noting that one of the prosecution witnesses was absent and did not respond to repeated calls, the judge said the Delhi Police Commissioner had issued a standing order in February last year regarding the service of summons upon the witnesses. The judge also noted in another case, a letter was received from the DCP (west) stating there is no circular from Delhi Police to serve the summons on WhatsApp.
“Earlier also, this court has noted in several cases that the witnesses are being served by the police officials on WhatsApp...,” the judge said.