#service of summons abroad

The court quashed a 2014 proclaimed offender declaration after the CBI failed to serve summons at the accused's known Australian address. Section 82 CrPC demands proof of deliberate evasion, not mere non-service; the invalid proclamation does not affect arrest warrants, the INTERPOL Red Notice, or extradition.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that proclaiming an offender residing abroad without serving summons through diplomatic channels under MLATs violates Section 82 CrPC. The court quashed the proclamation order, emphasizing procedural fairness and the accused's right to join proceedings, even if abroad.