(2) The Magistrate may discharge the accused at any previous stage of the case if for
reasons to be recorded he considers the charge to be groundless.
160.
Transformation of Inquiry into Trial.
If, after such evidence and examination (if any) have been taken and made or at any
previous stage of the inquiry, the Magistrate is of opinion that the case is not one that
should be tried by a High Court but that there is ground for presuming that the accused
has committed an offence which should be tried by himself or some other Magistrate, he
shall if he had jurisdiction, proceed himself to try the accused under Chapter XVI or
Chapter XVII as the case may be or shall stay proceedings and submit the case to the
proper Magistrate as laid down in section 237.
161.
Procedure Thereupon.
When pursuant to the last preceding section the Magistrate decides to try the accused
himself under Chapter XVII, he shall forthwith frame a charge under his hand against the
accused and shall proceed in manner laid down in the said Chapter as upon the framing of
a charge in a non-summary trial by a Magistrate.
162.
Framing of Charge and Submission to a Superior Magistrate.
(1)
If, after such evidence and examination (if any) have been taken and made, the
Magistrate being a Magistrate of the first or second class is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds for committing the accused for trial, he shall frame a charge
under his hand declaring with what offence the accused is charged.
(2) If the Magistrate holding the inquiry is a Magistrate of the Payam Court, he shall
proceed as laid down in section 237.
163.
Charge to be explained and Copy furnished to Accused.
So soon as the Charge has been framed in accordance with section 162 (1), it shall be
read and explained to the accused and a copy of it shall if he so requires be given to him
free of cost.
164.
List of the defense Witnesses at the trial.
(1)
The accused shall be required at once to give in orally or in writing a list of the
persons (if any) whom he wishes to be summoned to give evidence at his trial.
(2) The Magistrate may in his direction allow the accused to give in any further list of
witnesses at a subsequent time.
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