Substance of accusation to be stated

In a summons case, when the accused appears or is brought before the magistrate, the court must state the particulars of the offence and ask whether the accused pleads guilty or wishes to make a defence. No formal charge needs to be framed. The magistrate then proceeds on the accused's plea or defence.

Karan, a driver, gets a summons for alleged negligent driving that caused a minor injury and appears before the magistrate. The magistrate tells him the particulars of the offence and asks whether he pleads guilty or wants to present a defence. No formal charge is framed; the magistrate proceeds based on his answer.