Section 247Non-appearance of complainant

s. 247

247. Non-appearance of complainant [In a case instituted upon complaint, if on] the day appointed for the appearance of the accused, or any day subsequent thereto which the hearing may be adjourned, the complainant does not appear, the Magistrate shall, notwithstanding anything herein before contained, acquit the accused, unless for some reason he thinks proper to adjoin the hearing of the case to some other day: Provided that, where the complainant is a public servant and his personal attendance is not required, the Magistrate may dispense with his attendance, and proceed with the case.

1. 298. The words and comma “In a case instituted upon complaint, if on” were substituted for the words and comma “If the summons has been issued on complaint, and upon” by section 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026 (Act No. XI of 2026) (With effect from 10th August 2025).