Code of Criminal Procedure
CrPC 251 is now BNSS 274.
Substance of accusation to be stated · The NCRB table marks it as changed. Compare the wording below.
Modified
Old wording kept in full
Old · CrPC 1973 · Ch. XX
s. 251
Substance of accusation to be stated
When in a summons-case the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or has any defence to make, but it shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNSS 2023 · Ch. XXI
s. 274
Substance of accusation to be stated.
When in a summons-case the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or has any defence to make, but it shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge:
Provided that if the Magistrate considers the accusation as groundless, he shall, after recording reasons in writing, release the accused and such release shall have the effect of discharge.
Text from India Code