Amendment of Section 299

The existing provision of sub section (1) of Section 299 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred as the Code) alongwith its heading shall be substituted as follows:-

"299. Inquiry and Trial in absence of accused :- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code, if it is proved that an accused person has absconded, and there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, trial of the case shall proceed in absentia in the Court of competent jurisdiction for the offence complained of and the Court shall not be bound to recall or rehear any witness, whose evidence has already been recorded or to reopen proceedings already held, but may act on the evidence already produced or recorded and continue the trial from the stage which the case has reached and pronounce Judgment at the conclusion of the trial.

Provided that the Court may assign a pleader for the defence of the absconding accused at the expense of the State.

Explanation : The trial in absentia shall include framing of charges or explaining the substance of accusation, as the case may be against the absconding accused"