Prepare questions after receiving a police appearance notice

If available: the notice exactly as received, the stated date, time and place, the sender or unit named, any case reference, and the date you received it. Photograph it for your own records only.

Write a factual note: when the notice arrived, what it asks, by when, and whether you know the case it relates to.

List questions: what the notice means, whether a lawyer can accompany or advise you, what to bring, how to respond if the date is impractical, and how to keep a record of attendance.

Seek advice quickly from an advocate of your choice or through the Tele-Law FAQ page, which lists arrest and FIR process among matters for free advice via Common Service Centres and explains how an appointment is arranged.

A dated summary and questions you can put to a lawyer before the appearance date.

If the notice is unclear or lacks a case reference, note the uncertainty rather than assuming its purpose; ask the lawyer how to confirm it with the issuing unit.