Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 253
Date for prosecution evidence
If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 252, the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses, and may, on the application of the prosecution, issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness or the production of any document or other thing.
Why this exists
This section moves the case from paperwork and pleas into the evidence-gathering phase of trial, giving the court power to compel witnesses and evidence so the prosecution can actually present its case. It mirrors section 230 of the earlier Code of Criminal Procedure.