Failure to appear in court a stand-alone offence

While referring to the language of section 174A of the IPC, the bench said this implies that the very instance at which a person is directed to appear, and he does not do so, this section comes into play

The Supreme Court has held that non-appearance in response to a proclamation is a "stand-alone offence" and can continue even if the proclamation is extinguished.

The apex court delivered its verdict on January 2 on an appeal challenging a June 2023 judgement of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The bench dealt with legal questions, including whether the proclaimed offender status of an accused under the provisions of the CrPC can subsist if he stands acquitted during trial in connection to the very same offence.