Section 248:
Acquittal or conviction.
(1) If, in any case under this Chapter in which a charge has been framed, the
Magistrate finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where, in any case under this Chapter, the Magistrate finds the accused guilty, but does not proceed in
accordance with the provisions of section 325 or section 360, he shall, after hearing the accused on the question of
sentence, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) Where, in any case under this Chapter, a previous conviction is charged under the provisions of
sub-section (7) of section 211 and the accused does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the
charge, the Magistrate may, after he has convicted the said accused, take evidence in respect of the alleged previous
conviction, and shall record a finding thereon:
Provided that no such charge shall be read out by the Magistrate nor shall the accused be asked to plead thereto
nor shall the previous conviction be referred to by the prosecution or in any evidence adduced by it, unless and until
the accused has been convicted under sub-section (2).