278. (1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 277 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 364 or section 401, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 275 or section 278, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 271 Acquittal or conviction
Section 272 Absence of complainant
Section 273 Compensation for accusation without reasonable cause
Section 274 Substance of accusation to be stated
Section 275 Conviction on plea of guilty
Section 276 Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases
Section 277 Procedure when not convicted
Section 278 Acquittal or conviction