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CHAPTER XX TRIAL OF SUMMONS-CASES BY MAGISTRATES

Section 256: Non-appearance or death of complainant

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (repealed)

Repealed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023) with effect from 1 July 2024.

(1) If the summons has been issued on complaint, and on

the day appointed for the appearance of the accused, or any day subsequent thereto to which the hearing may be

adjourned, the complainant does not appear, the Magistrate shall, notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, acquit the accused, unless for some reason he thinks it proper to adjourn the hearing of the case to some other day:

Provided that where the complainant is represented by a pleader or by the officer conducting the prosecution or

where the Magistrate is of opinion that the personal attendance of the complainant is not necessary, the Magistrate

may, dispense with his attendance and proceed with the case.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall, so far as may be, apply also to cases where the non-appearance of the complainant is due to his death.

Now in the BNSS

As given in the correspondence table of the National Crime Records Bureau (Ministry of Home Affairs). Read both texts before relying on it. NCRB table

256. Non-appearance or death of complainant.BNSS 279

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