Delhi HC Flags Harassment in Repeated Summons, Allows Dowry Case Probe via Video Conferencing

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has pulled up investigators for compelling a Kolkata-based man to repeatedly travel to the capital in connection with a dowry case, despite his cooperation, terming the practice “harassment” and an “abuse of process”.

Justice Arun Monga, disposing of a writ petition filed by Mr. Agarwal, directed that the petitioner may now join further investigation through video conferencing. The Court noted that he had already appeared thrice in person and recorded statements, and forcing further travel was unjustified.

The petitioner’s counsel, Adv. Rattandip Singh, assisted by Adv. Divya Tripathi and Adv. Pritha Khanna of Tripaksha Litigation, argued that in the digital era, repeated physical appearances were unnecessary and burdensome. “My client has complied with every direction and is willing to fully cooperate through video conferencing. Yet repeated summons from Kolkata to Delhi is harassment,” Singh told the Court.

Accepting the plea, Justice Monga said: “The petitioner has already appeared in person as many as three times by travelling from Kolkata. He may, therefore, be allowed to join further investigation through video conferencing.”

However, the Court clarified that the order should not dilute the powers of the Investigating Officer:
“This order shall not in any manner be construed to impede the intended investigation.”

The ruling highlights judicial recognition that while investigation must proceed unhindered, unnecessary procedural burdens on cooperating individuals amount to harassment. It also reflects the judiciary’s growing reliance on video conferencing as a legitimate mode of participation in criminal proceedings.