What Is BNSS Section 263?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 263: Framing of Charge

(1) If, upon such consideration, examination, if any, and hearing, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence triable under this Chapter, which such Magistrate is competent to try and which, in his opinion, could be adequately punished by him, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused within a period of sixty days from the date of first hearing on charge.

(2) The charge shall then be read and explained to the accused, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried.

Brief Detail

This section outlines the process for framing charges against an accused individual in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. It stipulates that the Magistrate must determine if there are grounds to presume the accused's guilt and must frame a written charge within sixty days of the initial hearing. The charge must be clearly communicated to the accused, who must then respond to the charges.

Question & Answers

What must the Magistrate do upon considering the evidence and hearing?

The Magistrate must determine if there are grounds for presuming that the accused has committed an offence and frame a written charge if so.

What is the time frame for framing the charge?

The charge must be framed within a period of sixty days from the date of the first hearing on charge.

What happens after the charge is framed?

The charge shall be read and explained to the accused, who will then be asked whether he pleads guilty or claims to be tried.

Example

• Example 1: After hearing evidence in a theft case, the Magistrate concludes that there is sufficient ground to presume the accused’s guilt. He frames a charge in writing within the stipulated sixty days and explains it to the accused.
• Example 2: In a case of assault, the Magistrate determines that the evidence presented warrants framing a charge. He does this within the required time frame and gives the accused the opportunity to plead guilty or request a trial.

Summary

Section 263 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 details the procedure for framing charges against an accused. It requires the Magistrate to assess whether there are grounds for presumption of guilt, frame a charge within sixty days of the first hearing, and communicate this charge to the accused, allowing them to respond accordingly.