Acquittal

(1) If the Magistrate upon taking the evidence referred to in section 244 and such further evidence (if any) as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, and (if he thinks fit) examining the accused, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.

Sentence

(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 349 ²⁹⁷[∗∗∗], he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.

²⁹⁷ The words and figure “section 562” were omitted by section 69 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2009 (Act No. XXXII of 2009) (with effect from 1st November, 2007).