After the investigation process in the public prosecution is completed, if the General Attorney decides to transfer the case to Criminal Courts by issuing referral order, attendance of the accused becomes mandatory in the criminal court proceedings.
However, he has to be given an advanced notice of 3 days before the hearing date, if the crime is a misdemeanor. The period has to be 10 days if the crime is a Felony.
The court notice has to indicate what the charges are and what the penalties are. Such notice of referral of the case to the court has to be delivered to the accused personally, either to his home or his workplace. Nevertheless, if the location of the accused is unknown it has to be delivered to the nearest Police station of his residence. If his residence is unknown then the notice of the referral has to be delivered to the nearest Police Station of the Crime scene.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
