Section 355.   Provision for inquiries and trial being held in absence of accused in certain cases.

(1) At any stage of an inquiry or trial under this Sanhita, if the Judge or Magistrate
is satisfied, for reasons to be recorded, that the personal attendance of the accused before
the Court is not necessary in the interests of justice, or that the accused persistently
disturbs the proceedings in Court, the Judge or Magistrate may, if the accused is represented
by an advocate, dispense with his attendance and proceed with such inquiry or trial in his
absence, and may, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance
of such accused.
(2) If the accused in any such case is not represented by an advocate, or if the Judge
or Magistrate considers his personal attendance necessary, he may, if he thinks fit and for
reasons to be recorded by him, either adjourn such inquiry or trial, or order that the case of
such accused be taken up or tried separately.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, personal attendance of the accused
includes attendance through audio video electronic means.