Library/BNSS/Section 357
Section 357Procedural

Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings

Full Text

If the accused, though not a person of unsound mind, cannot be made to understand the proceedings, the Court may proceed with the inquiry or trial; and, in the case of a Court other than a High Court, if such proceedings result in a conviction, the proceedings shall be forwarded to the High Court with a report of the circumstances of the case, and the High Court shall pass thereon such order as it thinks fit.

Plain English Summary

Prescribes the procedure for cases where the accused is sane but unable to understand the trial proceedings (e.g., due to being deaf/mute), requiring High Court confirmation for convictions.

Key Legal Elements

  • Accused is of sound mind but cannot understand proceedings
  • Court can proceed with trial
  • Convictions by lower courts must be sent to High Court
  • High Court passes final orders on such cases

Practical Note

Often applies to deaf and mute accused persons who cannot communicate effectively. The High Court's review ensures that no person is convicted without the judicial system being absolutely certain of the fairness of the trial.

हिंदी पाठ

यदि अभियुक्त, हालांकि वह अस्वस्थ मन (unsound mind) का व्यक्ति नहीं है, कार्यवाही को समझने में सक्षम नहीं है, तो न्यायालय जांच या विचारण के साथ आगे बढ़ सकता है; और, उच्च न्यायालय के अलावा किसी अन्य न्यायालय के मामले में, यदि ऐसी कार्यवाही के परिणामस्वरूप दोषसिद्धि (conviction) होती है, तो कार्यवाही को मामले की परिस्थितियों की रिपोर्ट के साथ उच्च न्यायालय को भेज दिया जाएगा, और उच्च न्यायालय उस पर ऐसा आदेश पारित करेगा जैसा वह उचित समझे।