Withdrawal from prosecution requires court consent and protects victim's right to be heard; central government permission may be required. Withdrawal from prosecution allows the Public Prosecutor or Assistant Public Prosecutor in charge to cease prosecution before judgment with the consent of the Court; withdrawal before framing of charge leads to discharge, and withdrawal after framing (or where no charge is required) leads to acquittal. Withdrawal is subject to limits where the offence concerns central executive matters, Central Act investigations, damage to Central Government property, or offences by Central Government servants acting in official capacity: in such cases the Prosecutor must produce Central Government permission if not centrally appointed. The Court must also give the victim an opportunity to be heard.