Facing a Civil Case: What to Do When Court Summons Are Sent to an Old Address?

The company has initiated a civil case against me. The court summons have not reached me as the company has provided them with my old address (even though they were aware that I had left that address years ago, and all communication is now done through my new address). I would like to understand how many attempts the court typically makes to deliver summons. Additionally, until the summons is in my hands, what steps should I take? Should I go directly to the court and request it, or should I wait for it to be delivered to my new address? Will any delays on my part work against me?

To the best of my knowledge, in civil suits, if the summons is not effectively delivered, the case will not progress. Please assist me in clarifying these uncertainties.

I eagerly await your reply.

Thank you.

Go to court and inform them about the address change or receive the summons in person. Otherwise, the case will be decided ex-parte.

Regards,
Pon

In the labor office, you can get the copy. Either go to the court directly and collect it in person, or if you know someone in authority at the labor office, seek help from them.

You have not written how you came to know that a civil suit has been filed against you by the Company. What are the contents of the suit? What is your defense against the allegations? If you feel that the charges are serious and if decided ex-parte will harm you, then you must approach the Hon'ble Court through your legal adviser and request a copy of the suit papers. If there is any IPC No. which warrants your arrest, you should request the Court for anticipatory bail. The plea that you did not receive the summons will not be much helpful because if decided ex-parte, how can you come to know the outcome? If you have some associates in the Company, they will also not be of much help once the case is decided. It is your duty to inform your latest address to the Company until you have not been relieved by the Company in writing and all the dues/receipts have been cleared by both you and the Company, and the Company has issued a "No Dues" certificate in your favor.

Best wishes, get out of this as early as possible.

Regards,
AK Jain
HR Personnel
NCL, CIL