Section 23, The Criminal Procedure Act, 2024

(1) Where a Magistrate issues a summons in respect ofan offence other than a felony or an offence punishable by a sentence of life imprisonment, he - (a) may, if he sees reason to do so; and (b) shall when the offence with which the defendant is charged is punishable only by a fine or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, whether with or without a fine, dispense with the personal attendance of the defendant, provided that he pleads guilty in writing or is represented by a legal practitioner. (2) A Magistrate enquiring into or trying a case may, in his discretion, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance of the defendant, and, if necessary, enforce the attendance in the manner provided in this Act.