Examination of parties and their witnesses

(1) When hearing a civil suit or a revenue proceeding, the Panchayati Adalat shall first examine the plaintiff or applicant and his witness and afterwards defendant or objector and his witnesses, as the case may be. While trying a criminal case, it shall first explain to the accused the charge made against him and shall then record prosecution evidence and then examine the accused and his defence: Provided that if in a criminal case, an accused makes a clear and voluntary confession of the crime, he shall be convicted without recording any evidence, while in a civil suit or revenue proceeding if the claim of the plaintiff or the applicant is totally admitted by the other party, it will not be necessary for the Panchayati Adalat to record any evidence. (2) Each party shall be allowed to cross examine another party except the accused and its witnesses, just after their examination-in-chief but the Panchayati Adalat may, either of its own motion or on the request of any party examine any person at any stage of the proceedings before passing final orders, and in such case party shall be entitled to put questions to the person so examined. (3) Before examining any person except an accused, a Panchayati Adalat shall administer him the following oath: "I shall state the truth, and nothing but truth. So help me God."