Record of evidence in absence of accused.

What this section does

Where an accused has absconded and there is no immediate prospect of arrest, the competent Court may examine prosecution witnesses in his absence and record their depositions; such depositions may be used against him on arrest if the deponent is dead, incapable, cannot be found, or cannot be produced without unreasonable delay or expense. Where an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life is committed by unknown persons, the High Court or Sessions Judge may direct a First Class Magistrate to hold an inquiry and record depositions, which may be used against any person subsequently accused if the deponent is dead, incapable, or beyond India.

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

Procedure at a glance

Key actors

Court · High Court · Sessions Judge · Magistrate of first class · Prosecution witnesses · Accused

Derived from CrPC s.299.