Order V Rule 20: Substituted service

[(1) Where the Court is satisfied that there is reason to believe that the defendant is keeping out of the way for the purpose of avoiding service, or that for any other reason the summons cannot be served in the ordinary way, the Court shall order for service of summons by (a) affixing a copy of the summons at some conspicuous part of the house, if any, in which the defendant is known to have last resided or carried on business or personally worked for gain; or (b) any electronic device of communication which may include telegram, telephone, phonogram, telex, fax, radio and television; or (c) urgent mail service or public courier services; or (d) beat of drum in the locality where the defendant resides; or (e) publication in press; or (f) any other manner or mode as it may think fit: Provided that the Court may order the use of all or any of the aforesaid manners and modes of service simultaneously.] (2) Effects of substituted service. Service substituted by order of the Court shall be as effectual as if it had been made on the defendant personally. (3) Where service substituted, time for appearance to be fixed. Where service is substituted by order of the Court, the Court shall fix such time for the appearance of the defendant as the case may require [which shall not ordinarily exceed fifteen days.]

Effective date: 1909-01-01

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