Section 218 of CrPC : Section 218: Separate Charges For Distinct Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine that John is accused of committing burglary at a house on January 1st, and then he is also accused of fraud in a separate incident on February 15th. According to Section 218(1) of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, John would face two separate charges: one for burglary and one for fraud. Each charge would typically be tried in different legal proceedings.

However, if John believes it's in his best interest to have both charges tried at the same time, he can write an application to the Magistrate. If the Magistrate agrees that this won't harm John's defense, then both charges can be consolidated into a single trial.

The second subsection clarifies that this separation of charges doesn't interfere with other legal provisions that allow for certain related charges to be tried together under specific circumstances.