A subpoena in India is a legal order issued by a court or a competent authority compelling an individual to appear in court or to produce documents, records, or other evidence relevant to a legal proceeding. Subpoenas may be issued in civil, criminal, or administrative cases to ensure the attendance of witnesses, the production of evidence, or the disclosure of information necessary for the resolution of the matter. Subpoenas are typically issued at the request of parties to the case or by the court sua sponte, and they may be served on individuals, organizations, or government agencies. Failure to comply with a subpoena may result in contempt of court charges, fines, or other sanctions imposed by the court. Subpoenas play a critical role in the adversarial process by facilitating the gathering of evidence, ensuring the presentation of testimony, and promoting the administration of justice. However, subpoenas must be issued and enforced in accordance with procedural rules, substantive law, and constitutional safeguards, including the rights of witnesses and parties to due process, privacy, and protection against self-incrimination. Subpoenas are essential tools for fact-finding, truth-seeking, and the fair and efficient resolution of legal disputes in the Indian legal system.