Explained - The Karnataka Courts–Service Summons/Notice/Processes/Documents (Civil Proceedings) by Courier Rules, 2024.

1. Objective and Purpose. The primary objective of the Rules is to streamline the service of summons, notices, and other legal documents in civil proceedings to reduce delays in the judicial process. The rules allow the use of courier services and modern technology (like electronic tracking) to ensure faster and more reliable delivery.

2. Scope and Applicability. The rules apply to all civil proceedings in Karnataka, including cases before the High Court, District Courts, Subordinate Courts, and Tribunals. Criminal cases are not covered under these rules.

3. Definitions. The document provides key definitions, including:
Approved Courier Agency: A courier service provider empaneled by the High Court.
National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes (NSTEP): A Supreme Court-developed application for electronic tracking of summons delivery.
District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) and Recommendation and Monitoring Committee (RMC): Committees responsible for overseeing courier services

4. Committees for Oversight
The document establishes two levels of oversight committees:

A. Recommendation and Monitoring Committee (RMC)
• Headed by the Registrar General of the High Court.
• Includes Registrar (Computers), 
• Registrar (Judicial), 
• Central Project Coordinator, and a 
• District Judge.
• Responsible for empaneling courier agencies, monitoring their performance, and setting rules.

B. District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC)
• Headed by the Principal District Judge.
• Includes an Additional District Judge and a Senior Civil Judge.
• Monitors courier performance at the district level and reports issues to the RMC.

5. Selection of Courier Agencies
• The RMC invites applications from courier agencies.
• Selection is based on reputation, financial capacity, technological infrastructure, and previous experience.
• Agencies must be able to use the NSTEP tracking system or an approved equivalent.
• The Chief Justice has the final authority on empanelment.

6. Responsibilities of Courier Agencies
Approved courier agencies must:
• Ensure safe and secure handling of court documents.
• Train delivery personnel to use NSTEP or similar tracking software.
• Report successful delivery electronically to the court.
• Return undelivered summons within 15 days with reasons for non-delivery.
• Provide details of persons refusing acceptance of documents.
• Appear before courts if delivery is disputed.

7. Monitoring and Removal of Courier Agencies
• RMC and DLMC review performance quarterly.

• Agencies can be removed if they:
a. Provide false information in their application.
b. Submit false delivery reports in court.
c. Fail to meet quality standards.
d. Engage in misconduct or negligence.
e. Before removal, the courier agency is given a chance to respond.

8. Service Procedure by Courier
• Parties must provide correct and updated addresses for delivery.
• Summons are issued electronically through CIS (Case Information System).
• The registry transmits the summons electronically to the courier agency.
• The courier must confirm receipt and track the delivery process digitally.

9. Service of Summons to Witnesses and Other Communications
• These rules also apply to witness summons, document production orders, and other court communications.

10. Fees and Charges
• The RMC determines fees, which must be deposited before using courier services.
• Payment is made monthly based on proof of delivery.
• No payment is made if proof of delivery is not provided.
• Penalties apply for non-performance (e.g., failure to return undelivered items within 15 days).

11. Confidentiality and Security
• Courier agencies must maintain confidentiality of court documents.
• Agencies must destroy all court-related data within 30 days of contract termination.

12. Agreement with Courier Agencies
• Empaneled agencies must sign a formal agreement with the High Court.
• The agreement covers responsibilities, service conditions, penalties, and confidentiality clauses.

13. Arbitration and Legal Disputes
• Disputes between the High Court and a courier agency are resolved through arbitration.
• Arbitration is conducted under the Arbitration Centre – Karnataka.
• Bengaluru courts have exclusive jurisdiction over legal disputes.

The Courier Service Rules 2024 modernize the service of summons and legal notices in Karnataka’s civil courts. They emphasize technology-driven tracking, accountability, and security while ensuring faster delivery of court documents.

Compiled and explained.
S. Basavaraj 
Senior Advocate
Bengaluru