What Is BNSS Section 250?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 250: Discharge

(1) The accused may prefer an application for discharge within a period of sixty days from the date of committal under section 232.

(2) If, upon consideration of the record of the case and the documents submitted therewith, and after hearing the submissions of the accused and the prosecution in this behalf, the Judge considers that there is not sufficient ground for proceeding against the accused, he shall discharge the accused and record his reasons for so doing.

Brief Detail

Section 250 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, outlines the procedure for an accused person to apply for discharge from charges. The accused has sixty days from the date of committal to submit an application. If the Judge determines that there is insufficient ground to proceed, the accused will be discharged, and the Judge must provide reasons for this decision.

Question & Answers

Q1: How long does the accused have to apply for discharge?

A1: The accused may apply for discharge within sixty days from the date of committal under section 232.

Q2: What must the Judge consider when reviewing the application for discharge?

A2: The Judge must consider the record of the case, documents submitted, and hear submissions from both the accused and the prosecution.

Q3: What happens if the Judge finds insufficient grounds to proceed against the accused?

A3: The Judge will discharge the accused and record the reasons for the discharge.

Q4: Is there a specific process the Judge must follow when considering the application for discharge?

A4: Yes, the Judge must review the case record, listen to both sides, and make a determination based on the findings.

Q5: What is the significance of the Judge recording reasons for discharge?

A5: Recording the reasons ensures transparency and accountability in the judicial process.

Example

1. Application Timeline: An accused individual submits an application for discharge 45 days after being committed under section 232.
2. Judge’s Review: The Judge reviews all relevant documents, including witness statements and evidence presented in the case.
3. Hearing Process: During the hearing, both the accused and the prosecution present their arguments regarding the application for discharge.
4. Discharge Decision: If the Judge finds no sufficient grounds, he discharges the accused, providing a written explanation of the decision.
5. Case Outcome: After discharge, the accused is no longer subject to the charges initially brought against them.

Summary

Section 250 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, allows an accused person to apply for discharge within sixty days of committal. The Judge must evaluate the case and determine if there are sufficient grounds to proceed. If not, the accused will be discharged, and the Judge is required to document the reasons for this decision, promoting transparency in the legal process.