(1) Whenever a Magistrate issues a summons, he may, if he sees reason so to do,
dispense with the personal attendance of the accused and permit him to appear by his
pleader.
(2) But the Magistrate inquiring into or trying the case may, in his discretion, at any
stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance of the accused, and, if necessary,
enforce such attendance in the manner hereinbefore provided.
Home The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 Section 228. Magistrate may dispense with personal attendance of accused.