BNSS Section 280 — Withdrawal of complaint

CHAPTER XXI TRIAL OF SUMMONS-CASES BY MAGISTRATES

Criminal

Summary

A complainant can ask the Magistrate for permission to withdraw their complaint against the accused person at any time before the final order is passed in the case. If there is more than one accused, the complainant can ask to withdraw the complaint against all or some of them. The Magistrate may allow the withdrawal if the complainant gives sufficient reasons for it. Once the Magistrate permits the withdrawal, the accused person or persons against whom the complaint is withdrawn must be acquitted.

Official Text

If a complainant, at any time before a final order is passed in any case under this Chapter, satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused, against all or any of them, the Magistrate may permit him to withdraw the same, and shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

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