Section 344 in The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1989 (1933 A. D.)
344. Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings.
- [(1) In every inquiry or trial, the proceedings shall be held as expeditiously as possible and in particular, when the examination of witnesses has once begun, the same shall be continued from day to day until all the witnesses in attendance have been examined, unless the Court finds the adjournment of the same beyond the following day to be necessary for reasons to be recorded] [Section 344 (1) re-numbered as sub-section (1-a) of that section and sub-section (1) inserted by Act LXII of 1956.].[(1-a) If from the absence of a witness, or any other reasonable cause, it becomes necessary or advisable to postpone the commencement of, or adjourn any inquiry or trial the Court may, if it thinks fit, order in writing, by stating the reasons therefor from time to time, postpone or adjourn the same on such terms as it thinks fit, for such time as it considers reasonable, and may by, a warrant remand the accused if in custody] [Section 344 (1) re-numbered as sub-section (1-a) of that section and sub-section (1) inserted by Act LXII of 1956.] :Provided that no Magistrate shall remand an accused person to custody under this section for a term exceeding fifteen days at a time :[Provided further that when witnesses are in attendance, no adjournment or postponement shall be granted, without examining them, except for special reasons to be recorded in writing] [Further proviso added by Act XLII of 1956.],(2)Every order made under this section by a Court other than the High Court shall be in writing signed by the presiding Judge or Magistrate.Explanation - Reasonable cause for remand. - If sufficient evidence has been obtained to raise a suspicion that the accused may have committed an offence, and if appears likely that further evidence may be obtained by a remand, this is a reasonable cause for a remand.
