# Ignored a court summons? Not attending is a crime.

> If you are legally bound to attend and intentionally stay away, or leave early, it is an offence under section 174 PPC. For a Court summons the term is simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.

- Topic: Courts and procedure
- For: Citizens
- A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/ignored-a-court-summons-not-attending-is-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-22

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: A summons is just a request. Nothing happens if I skip it.**
- **Fact: If you are legally bound to attend and intentionally stay away, it is an offence (PPC s.174).**

## The law.

Section 174, PPC.

> "Whoever, being legally bound to attend in person or by an agent at a certain place and time in obedience to a summons, notice, order or proclamation proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant to issue the same, intentionally omits to attend at that place or time, departs from the place where he is bound to attend before the time at which it is lawful for him to depart ..." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 174)

## Two ways to commit it.

Both are in section 174.

- **Not coming** Intentionally not attending at the place or time set.
- **Leaving early** Departing before the time it is lawful to leave.

## Three levels.

The prison terms, s.174.

- **Public servant** Simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine, or both.
- **A Court** Simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
- **s.87 proclamation** Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.

## Even as a witness.

Illustration (b) to section 174.

- **The facts** A is bound to appear before a Zila Judge as a witness, on a summons.
- **The act** A intentionally omits to appear.
- **The result** A has committed the offence in this section.

## Quick quiz. The arrest.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. Yes, at once**
- **B. No, not without a warrant**
- **C. Only at night**

## Answer: B. Schedule II.

Section 174, CrPC Schedule II.

- **The table** Shall not arrest without warrant. Summons. Bailable.
- **Not compoundable** It cannot be settled privately between the parties.

## Who can complain?

Section 195(1)(a), CrPC.

- **The rule** No Court takes cognizance of ss.172 to 188 PPC without a complaint in writing.
- **By whom** The public servant concerned, or one he is subordinate to.

## Got a summons?

Three steps, in this order.

- **Read it** Who issued it, the place, the date and the time.
- **Attend** In person, or by agent if the summons allows it.
- **Can't make it?** Tell the Court in time, through an advocate.

## A summons at home?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **I got a court summons as a witness but I am abroad. What happens if I do not go?**
- **What is the punishment under section 174 PPC for not appearing in court?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 174: Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.