Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 — Section 494: Effect of withdrawal from prosecution

494. Effect of withdrawal from prosecution. Any Public Prosecutor 1[* * *] may, with the consent of the Court, 2[* * *] before the judgment is pronounced, withdraw from the prosecution of any person 3[either generally or in respect of any one or more of the offences for which he is tried] ; and upon such withdrawal,

(a)if it is made before a charge has been framed, the accused shall be discharged 3 [in respect of such offence or offences] ;

(b)if it is made after a charge has been framed, or when under this Code no charge is required, he shall be acquitted 3[in respect of such offence or offences].