(1)  If, upon such consideration, examination, if any, and hearing, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence triable under this Chapter, which such Magistrate is competent to try and which, in his opinion, could be adequately punished by him, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused.

   (2)  The charge shall then be read and explained to the accused, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried.

STATE AMENDMENT

Chhattisgarh

   In sub-section (2) of section 240 of the Principal Act, after the word “to the accused” the following shall be added:—

   “present either in person or through the medium of electronic video linkage in the presence of his pleader in the Court.”

[Vide Chhattisgarh Act 13 of 2006, s. 5]