Kanoon SamjhoIndian law, made simple
Police & FIR

I got a police notice to appear. What does it mean?

Simple answer

It usually means police want to question you instead of arresting you. If you follow the notice and keep cooperating, police generally cannot arrest you for that offence unless they record reasons. Check the notice: it should show if you are called as an accused or a witness.

Real-life examples

Arjun, a shopkeeper in Indore, got a notice under Section 35(3) BNSS in a cheating complaint. He went on the given date with his lawyer and the notice, answered questions and went home. He must keep appearing whenever called.

Tenzin got a WhatsApp message with a 'police notice' PDF asking him to pay ₹50,000 to close a case. The Supreme Court has said such notices cannot be served on WhatsApp, and no real notice asks for money. He reported it on 1930.

What should you do?

  1. 1Read the notice carefully. Note the section (35 means you are a suspect; 179 means a witness), case number, date, time and place.
  2. 2Show it to a criminal lawyer before you go, especially if you are named as an accused.
  3. 3Go on the given date, time and place, carrying the notice, your ID and any documents it asks for.
  4. 4If you truly can't go that day, tell the officer in writing with the reason and ask for a new date. Keep a copy.
  5. 5If the offence is serious and you fear arrest, ask your lawyer about anticipatory bail.

Exceptions & limits

  • If you ignore the notice or refuse to identify yourself, police can arrest you, subject to any court order.
  • Even if you comply, police can still arrest you if they record specific reasons why arrest is needed.
  • A notice demanding money, or one that arrives only on WhatsApp or email, is a warning sign of a scam. Check with the police station directly.

Official legal reference

  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 35(3)-(6)

    Police must issue a notice to appear where arrest isn't required; no arrest while you comply unless reasons are recorded; non-compliance can lead to arrest.

    Earlier: CrPC Section 41ARead the official text

  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 179

    Police can, by written order, call people who know the facts of a case to attend as witnesses.

    Earlier: CrPC Section 160Read the official text

  • Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014)

    Supreme Court: no routine arrests for offences punishable up to 7 years; police must follow the notice procedure.

  • Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2025)

    Supreme Court: notices under Section 35 BNSS cannot be served by WhatsApp or other electronic means.

Where to get help

NALSA Free Legal Aid

Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.

Call 15100nalsa.gov.in

National Cyber Crime Helpline

Report online financial fraud immediately so the money trail can be frozen.

Call 1930cybercrime.gov.in

Source & status

Applies to
All of India
Law in force since
1 Jul 2024
Legal review
Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.

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