With reference to the provision of 'Trial in Absentia' under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), consider the following statements: 1. It applies only to an accused declared as a proclaimed offender under the BNSS. 2. It can be invoked for any cognizable offence irrespective of the punishment prescribed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. With reference to the provision of ‘Trial in Absentia’ under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), consider the following statements:
1.It applies only to an accused declared as a proclaimed offender under the BNSS.
2.It can be invoked for any cognizable offence irrespective of the punishment prescribed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation: Trial in absentia under Section 356 of the BNSS, 2023 applies only to a proclaimed offender and only in cases involving offences punishable with imprisonment of 10 years or more, life imprisonment, or death, not for all cognizable offences.

Source- TH

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS