An accused cannot send a reply in the form of a letter to a summons issued by a Magistrate court, in the same way a defendant might file a defence in a civil case. Instead, the accused is expected to appear in the court on the specified date and time, either personally or through a lawyer, and enter a plea or make an application as appropriate.
A summons is a formal court order requiring an individual to appear before the court on a specific date and time. It is not a request for a written response. It cannot be replied with a letter, for which there is no provision in the code of criminal procedures.
When an accused receives a summons, the primary action on his part is to appear before the court on the designated date and time. At the court, the accused will be presented with the charges and will have the opportunity to enter a plea: either pleading guilty or pleading not guilty.
The accused may also make an application to the court, such as a bail application if they wish to be released on bail.
There is neither any provision nor any specific legal document that suggests that the accused can send to the court a reply or letter in response to a summons in a criminal case. He has no option other than appearing before it either directly or through an advocate.
