Evidence for defence.

What this section does

After prosecution evidence is concluded, the accused is called upon to enter his defence and produce evidence; any written statement filed by the accused is placed on record. The Magistrate shall issue process to compel attendance of defence witnesses or production of documents unless the application is found to be vexatious, dilatory, or aimed at defeating justice (reasons to be recorded); witness examination may be conducted via audio-video electronic means. The Magistrate may require deposit of reasonable witness expenses before summoning any witness on the accused's application.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Procedure at a glance

Key actors

Magistrate · Accused · Defence witnesses

Derived from CrPC s.243.