Section 356 BNSS introduces a transformative provision that was absent in CrPC — the ability to try proclaimed offenders in absentia. Under the old CrPC, if an accused absconded, the trial was essentially stalled indefinitely, denying justice to victims. This reform ensures that deliberately absconding cannot be used as a strategy to indefinitely delay or defeat prosecution. The accused retains the right to appeal if they later surrender or are apprehended.

1. 1 Pick up BNSS 2023.
2. 2 Look up Section 251 → not about trials in absentia.
3. 3 Look up Section 349 → not about this.
4. 4 Look up Section 356 → 'Trial in absentia of proclaimed offender.' ✓ Found it.

The text reads: Section 356 BNSS: Where a person has been proclaimed as an offender, the court may, in his absence, examine the witnesses and record evidence, and upon conviction, pass sentence.