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BNSS, 2023
Start Practicing
BNSSChapter XXISection 281
Section281

Power to stop proceedings in certain cases

AI Assist

Summary

Where a summons-case is started otherwise than on a complaint, a First Class Magistrate or, with prior sanction of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, any other Judicial Magistrate may stop the proceedings at any stage for reasons recorded by him, without pronouncing a judgment. If stoppage occurs after the principal witnesses have given evidence, the Magistrate pronounces acquittal. In any other case the accused is released and that release has the effect of discharge.

Example

Rohan is summoned in a minor theft case started on a police report. After the prosecution's principal witnesses give evidence, the Magistrate stops the proceedings and pronounces Rohan acquitted.

Bare Act

Enacted text

In any summons-case instituted otherwise than upon complaint, a Magistrate of the first class or, with the previous sanction of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, any other Judicial Magistrate, may, for reasons to be recorded by him, stop the proceedings at any stage without pronouncing any judgment and where such stoppage of proceedings is made after the evidence of the principal witnesses has been recorded, pronounce a judgment of acquittal, and in any other case, 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 280Withdrawal of complaintNext · Section 282Power of Court to convert summonscases into warrant-cases