What is the punishment for failing to appear after a court summons?

In detail

If you are legally required to be present at a specific place and time because a public servant—such as a judge or government officer—has issued a summons, notice, order, or proclamation, and you deliberately choose not to go or you leave before the time you are allowed to, the law treats this as an offence. The punishment depends on the nature of the order. For general orders that are not related to a court appearance, you may be sentenced to simple imprisonment for up to one month, fined up to five thousand rupees, or both. However, if the order is to attend a court—whether as a party, witness, or any other role—the penalty is higher: simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine up to ten thousand rupees, or both. The intent to avoid attendance is essential; accidental or unavoidable absence is not covered by this provision.