What is the significance of a designation of counsel in indictable cases?

The significance of a designation of counsel in indictable cases lies in its ability to substitute counsel for the accused's physical presence in court. This means that when the accused has designated a lawyer to represent them, that lawyer can act on behalf of the accused during proceedings, allowing the accused to be absent from court without jeopardizing their case. This is particularly important in indictable cases, where the proceedings can be complex and lengthy, and an accused may not always need to be present for every aspect of the case.

The designation of counsel ensures that the legal rights and interests of the accused are upheld while also streamlining the judicial process. This option provides the accused with the flexibility to manage their participation in court while still having professional legal representation. Thus, the involvement of counsel becomes a critical element in the effective handling of indictable charges.

In contrast, the other options focus on the presence of the accused, but the essence of a designation of counsel primarily enables them to be represented without their physical presence, which reinforces the correct answer's relevance in the context of legal proceedings.