CrPC § 251 · Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Repealed on 1 July 2024
Section 251 CrPC — Substance of accusation to be stated
Replaced from 1 July 2024 by BNSS 274 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Offences committed on or before 30 June 2024 are still charged under the CrPC.
The law now: BNSS 274 — Substance of accusation to be stated
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: India Code (indiacode.gov.in). The Gazette of India is the authoritative text. BNSS 274 in full