(1)  At any stage of an inquiry or trial under this Code, if the Judge or Magistrate is satisfied, for reasons to be recorded, that the personal attendance of the accused before the Court is not necessary in the interests of justice, or that the accused persistently disturbs the proceedings in Court, the Judge or Magistrate may, if the accused is represented by a pleader, dispense with his attendance and proceed with such inquiry or trial in his absence, and may, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance of such accused.

   (2)  If the accused in any such case is not represented by a pleader, or if the Judge or Magistrate considers his personal attendance necessary, he may, if he thinks fit and for reasons to be recorded by him, either adjourn such inquiry or trial, or order that the case of such accused be taken up or tried separately.

STATE AMENDMENT

Gujarat

   In the principal Act, to section 317, the following Explanation shall be added, namely: —

   “Explanation: —For the purpose of this section “Personal attendance of the accused” shall include his attendance through the medium of Electronic Video Linkage as provided in section 273.”.

[Vide Gujarat Act 31 of 2017, s. 6]