Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
248.Acquittal or conviction.-
(1) If, in any case under this Chapter in
which a charge has been framed, the Magistrate finds the accused not guilty, he
shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where, in any case under this Chapter, the Magistrate finds the accused
guilty, but does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 325
or section 360, he shall, after hearing the accused on the question of
sentence, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) Where, in any case under this Chapter, a previous conviction is charged under
the provisions of sub-section (7) of section 211 and the accused does not admit
that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the Magistrate
may, after he has convicted the said accused, take evidence in respect of the
alleged previous conviction, and shall record a finding thereon:
Provided that no such charge shall be read out by the Magistrate no
shall the accused be asked to plead thereto no shall the previous conviction be
referred to by the prosecution or in any evidence adduced by it, unless and
until the accused has been convicted under sub-section (2).