The document discusses the contents of a charge and the alteration of a charge in a criminal case. It defines a charge as a formal accusation by a court based on evidence against the accused. A charge informs the accused of what they are accused of to allow them to defend themselves. The document notes that a charge can contain multiple heads or accusations. It also states that the purpose of framing a charge is to give the accused clear and unambiguous notice of the accusations they must address at trial. The document outlines when charges are framed in sessions cases and warrant cases. It also discusses that a court can alter or add to a charge before judgment, and must explain any changes to the accused. The court may continue the trial or order a new

1. CONTENTS OF CHARGE &
ALTERATION OF CHARGE
PRESENTED BY
M. AMUDHA

2. • Charge simply means ‘accusation’
• A charge is a formal recognition of concrete accusations by a magistrate
or a court based upon a complaint or information against the accused.
• A charge is drawn up by a court only when the court is satisfied by the
prima facie evidence against the accused.
• The basic idea behind a charge is to make the accused understand what
exactly he is accused of so that he can defend himself.

3. • According to Section 2(b) of Cr P C, when a charge contains more than one heads,
the head of charges is also a charge.
The Purpose of Framing Charge:
• In V.C. Shukla v. State. Justice Desai delivering a concurring opinion opined that
‘the purpose of framing a charge is to give intimation to the accused of clear,
unambiguous and precise notice of the nature of accusation that the accused
is called upon to meet in the course of a trial’.

4. 1. Sessions cases1. Sessions cases
under section 228under section 228
of Cr.P.C,of Cr.P.C,
CHARGECHARGE
2. warrant cases
triable by Magistrate
instituted on police
reports under section
240 of Cr.P.C.
3. warrant cases triable by
Magistrate instituted
otherwise than on police
report or instituted on the
basis of private complaint
under section 246 (1) of
Cr.P.C.

11. (1) Any court may alter or add to any charge at any time before judgment is pronounced.
(2) Every such alteration or addition shall be read and explained to the accused.
(3) not likely, to prejudice the accused in his defence or the prosecutor in the conduct of the
case the court may, in its discretion, after such alteration or addition has been made,
proceed with the trial as if the altered or added charge had been the original charge.
(4) is likely, to prejudice the accused or the prosecutor, the court may either direct a new trial
or adjourn the trial for such period as may be necessary.
(5) lf the offence stated in the altered or added charge is one for the prosecution of which
previous sanction is necessary, the case shall not be proceeded with until such sanction is
obtained, unless sanction had been already obtained for a prosecution on the same facts as
those on which the altered or added charge is founded.