Section 239 CrPC: Discharge of Accused
1. State the Code
Section 239 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) deals with the discharge of an accused person during a criminal trial.
2. Explanation
This section empowers a Magistrate or a Court to discharge an accused person if, at the end of the prosecution’s case, it finds that there is not sufficient evidence to frame a charge against the accused. The Court considers the evidence presented by the prosecution and determines whether it establishes a prima facie case against the accused. If the Court is convinced that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, it can discharge the accused.
3. Illustration
Consider a case where the prosecution alleges that the accused stole a car. If the prosecution presents evidence that the accused was seen near the car, but fails to provide evidence linking the accused to the theft, the Court may find that there is not sufficient evidence to frame a charge and discharge the accused.
4. Common Questions and Answers
- Q: When can a Court discharge an accused under Section 239?
- A: A Court can discharge an accused under Section 239 only after the prosecution has concluded its case.
- Q: What is a prima facie case?
- A: A prima facie case is a case that, on its face, appears to have sufficient evidence to support the charges against the accused.
- Q: Can the accused appeal against a discharge order?
- A: Yes, the prosecution can appeal against a discharge order if it believes that the Court erred in discharging the accused.
