CrPC Section 249: Absence of complainant
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Chapter 19: Trail of warrant-cases by Magistrates
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
¶ 249. Absence of complainant.- When the proceedings have been instituted upon complaint, and on any day fixed for the hearing of the case, the complainant is absent, and the offence may be lawfully compounded or is not a cognizable offence, the Magistrate may, in his discretion, notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, at any time before the charge has been framed, discharge the accused.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNSS 272 (corresponding section). CrPC → BNSS converterSource: BPR&D BNSS–CrPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-07-03), p14
Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: historical CrPC reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Section 135 was restored and individually checked against the linked government PDF (pages 75–76) on 2026-10-02; this is not a verification of the whole collection. Schedules and forms are not consolidated here. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 238. Compliance with section 207
- 239. When accused shall be discharged
- 240. Framing of charge
- 241. Conviction on plea of guilty
- 242. Evidence for prosecution
- 243. Evidence for defence
- 244. Evidence for prosecution
- 245. When accused shall be discharged
- 246. Procedure where accused is not discharged
- 247. Evidence for defence
- 248. Acquittal or conviction
- 250. Compensation for accusation without reasonable cause