Section 258 of CrPC : Section 258: Power To Stop Proceedings In Certain Cases

Explanation using Example

Imagine John is charged with a minor offense, such as causing a public nuisance by playing loud music at night. This case is a summons-case, which means it is not serious enough to warrant an arrest without a warrant, and it is not based on a complaint but rather initiated by the police. During the trial, before all the evidence is fully presented, the Magistrate, who is a first-class Judicial Magistrate, believes that continuing the proceedings would not serve any purpose, perhaps because the incident was minor and John has apologized and agreed to community service. The Magistrate decides to stop the proceedings and records the reasons for this decision. Since the principal witnesses had already given their evidence, the Magistrate pronounces a judgment of acquittal, and John is acquitted of the charges. If the witnesses had not yet been heard, John would have been released with a discharge, which means he would not have been acquitted but also would not face further proceedings for that particular incident.