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BNSS, 2023
Start Practicing
BNSSChapter XXISection 274
Section274

Substance of accusation to be stated

AI Assist

Summary

In a summons-case the Magistrate must tell the accused the particulars of the offence and ask whether the accused pleads guilty or has any defence; it is not necessary to frame a formal charge. If the Magistrate considers the accusation groundless, he must record reasons in writing and release the accused. That release operates as a discharge.

Example

Priya accuses Rohan of a minor offence and Rohan is summoned to appear before the Magistrate. The Magistrate tells Rohan the particulars and asks if he pleads guilty or has a defence, without framing a formal charge. If the Magistrate finds the allegation groundless, she records reasons in writing and releases Rohan, which amounts to a discharge.

Bare Act

Enacted text

When in a summons-case the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or has any defence to make, but it shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge:

Provided that if the Magistrate considers the accusation as groundless, he shall, after recording reasons in writing, release the accused and such release shall have the effect of discharge.

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XXI

Chapter XXI

Trial of Summons-Cases by Magistrates

In this chapter

  • 274Substance of accusation to be stated
  • 275Conviction on plea of guilty
  • 276Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases
  • 277Procedure when not convicted
  • 278Acquittal or conviction
  • 279Non-appearance or death of complainant
  • 280Withdrawal of complaint
  • 281Power to stop proceedings in certain cases
  • 282Power of Court to convert summonscases into warrant-cases
Previous · Section 273Compensation for accusation without reasonable causeNext · Section 275Conviction on plea of guilty