Section 249-A Cr.P.C. empowers the Presiding Officer of the trial court

 I am enlightened by the observation of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan contained in the case titled as The State vs. Asif Ali Zardari and another (1994 SCMR 798), which is as under:- 

“In order to appreciate contentions of learned Advocate General, it would be necessary to make reference to sections 249-A and 561-A Cr.P.C. Section 249-A Cr.P.C. empowers the Presiding Officer of the trial court to acquit accused at any stage of the trial and the only requirements to be fulfilled are firstly that hearing is to be given to the prosecutor and counsel of accused and secondly reasons are to be recorded in support of conclusion that charge is groundless or that there is no probability of accused being convicted. It is very clear that application can be filed at any stage of the proceedings and it is not necessary and there is no requirement that such application is to be filed after evidence of all the witnesses is recorded.” 

Part of Judgment

LAHORE HIGH COURT LAHORE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Writ Petition-Criminal Proceedings-Miscellaneous
18236-15

2017 LHC 2732