(2) The accused shall not render himself liable to punishment by refusing to answer such
questions, or by giving false answers to them; but the Court 1* * *may draw such inference from
such refusal or answers as it thinks just.
(3) The answers given by the accused may be taken into consideration in such inquiry or trial,
and put in evidence for or against him in any other inquiry into, or trial for, any other offence which
such answers may tend to show he has committed.
2[(4) Except as provided by subsection (2) of section 340, no oath shall be administered to the
accused.]
343. No influence to be used to induce disclosures. Except as provided in sections 337 and
338, no influence, by means of any promise or threat or otherwise, shall be used to an accused
person to induce him to disclose or withhold any matter within his knowledge.
344. Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings.(1) 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, by order in writing, stating the reasons
there for, 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 :
Remand. Provided that no Magistrate shall remand an accused person to custody under this
section for a term exceeding fifteen days at a time.
(2) Every order made under this section by a Court other than a 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 it appears likely that further
evidence may be obtained by a remand, this is a reasonable cause for a remand.
3[344A. Conclusion of trial.__
The Court shall, upon taking cognizance of a case under
sections 354A, 376, 377 and 377B of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), decide
the case within three months failing which the matter shall be brought by the Court to the notice of
the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned for appropriate directions.].
345. Compounding offences.(1) The offences punishable under the sections of the Pakistan
Penal Code (XLV of 1860) 4[specified] in the first two columns of the table next following may be
compounded by the persons mentioned in the third column of that table:
1 The words “and the jury (if any)” omitted by the Law Reforms Ordinance, 1972 (12 of 1972), s.2 and Sch.
2 Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s.3 and Second Scheduled.
3 Ins. by Act XLIV of 2016,s.12.
4 Subs. by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amdt.) Act, 1923 (18 of 1923), s.90, for “described”.
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