VidhiSangh

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 274: Substance of accusation to be stated

Chapter XXI — Trial of Summons-cases by Magistrates

274. 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.

Source: official text of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Ministry of Home Affairs).