Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
299.Record of evidence in absence of accused.-
(1) If it is proved that an accused person has
absconded, and that there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, the Court
competent to try such person for the offence complained of may, in his absence,
examine the witnesses (if any) produced on behalf of the prosecution, and
record their depositions and any such deposition may, on the arrest of such
person, be given in evidence against him on the inquiry into, or trial for, the
offence with which he is charged, if the deponent is dead or incapable of
giving evidence or cannot be found or his presence cannot be procured without
an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which, under the circumstances of
the case, would be unreasonable.
(2) If it appears that an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for
life has been committed by some person or persons unknown, the High Court or
the Sessions Judge may direct that any Magistrate of the first class shall hold
an inquiry and examine any witnesses who can give evidence concerning the offence
and any depositions so taken may be given in evidence against any person who is
subsequently accused of the offence, if the deponent is dead or incapable of
giving evidence or beyond the limits of India.