(1) A notice of the date of hearing fixed under section 12 shall be given by the Magistrate to the Protection Officer, who shall get it served by such means as may be prescribed on the respondent, and on any other person, as directed by the Magistrate within a maximum period of two days or such further reasonable time as may be allowed by the Magistrate from the date of its receipt.
(2) A declaration of service of notice made by the Protection Officer in such form as may be prescribed shall be the proof that such notice was duly served on the respondent and on any other person as directed by the Magistrate, unless the contrary is proved.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 13
Section 13 prescribes strict statutory timelines and procedural rules for the service of notice upon respondents in domestic violence proceedings, establishing a maximum 30-day window to ensure rapid summary adjudication.
If the respondent deliberately avoids service or refuses speed post delivery, immediately file the tracking report showing 'refused' or 'unclaimed' and request the Magistrate to record a declaration of deemed service under Section 13, proceeding directly to hear the application for interim relief.