Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
446.Procedure when bond has been forfeited.-
(1) Where a bond under this Code is for
appearance, or for production of property, before a Court and it is proved to
the satisfaction of that Court, or of any Court to which the case has
subsequently been transferred, that the bond has been forfeited, or where, in
respect of any other bond under this Code, it is proved to the satisfaction of
the Court by which the bond was taken, or of any Court to which the case has
subsequently been transferred, or of the Court of any Magistrate of the first
class, that the bond has been forfeited, the Court shall record the grounds of
such proof, and may call upon any person bound by such bond to pay the penalty
thereof or to show cause why it should not be paid.
Explanation.-A condition in a bond for appearance, or for production of
property, before a Court shall be construed as including a condition for
appearance, or as the case may be, for production of property, before any Court
to which the case may subsequently be transferred.
(2) If sufficient cause is not shown and the penalty is not paid, the Court may
proceed to recover the same as if such penalty were a fine imposed by it under
this Code.
(3) The Court may, at its discretion, remit any portion of the penalty
mentioned and enforce payment in part only.
(4) Where a surety to a bond dies before the bond is forfeited, his estate
shall be discharged from all liability in respect of the bond.
(5) Where any person who has furnished security under section 106 or section
117 or section 360 is convicted of an offence the commission of which
constitutes a breach of the conditions of his bond, or of a bond executed in
lieu of his bond under section 448, a certified copy of the judgment of the
Court by which he was convicted of such offence may be used as evidence is
proceedings under this section against his surety or sureties, and, if such
certified copy is so used, the Court shall presume that such offence was
committed by him unless the contrary is proved.