Procedure before the Sessions Judge for trial of offences under this Act

–– Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Sessions Judge shall take cognizance of an offence under this Act without accused being committed to his Court for trial, and in trying the accused shall follow the following procedure :–– (1) When the accused appears or is brought before the Sessions Judge at the commencement of the trial he shall satisfy himself that the documents referred to in section 173 of the Code have been furnished to the accused, and if he finds that the accused has not been furnished with such documents or any of them, he shall cause them to be so furnished. (2) If upon consideration of all documents referred to in section 173 of the Code, the Sessions Judge is of the opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence triable under this Act he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused. (3) The charge shall then be read and explained to the accused and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or claims to be tried. (4) If the accused pleads guilty, the Sessions judge shall record the plea and may, in his discretion, convict him thereon. (5) If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead or claims to be tried the Sessions Judge shall forthwith proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution but he shall not ordinarily record a memorandum only of the substance of the evidence of each witness examined before him and he shall not be bound to be adjourn any trial for any purpose unless such adjournment is, in his opinion, necessary in the interests of justice : Provided that the sessions Judge may permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined. (6) For the purposes of enabling the accused to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him at any stage of the trial the Court may, without previously warning the accused, put such questions to him as it considers necessary and shall for purposes aforesaid question the accused generally on the case after the witnesses for prosecution have been examined and before he is called on for his defence : Provided that no oath shall be administered to the accused when he is examined under this clause. (7) The answers given by the accused during his examination under clause (6) shall not render him to punishment for giving false answers or for his refusal to answer, but the answers given by him may be taken into consideration in the trial and the Court may draw such inference from such refusal, or answers as it thinks just. (8) The accused shall be then called upon to enter upon his defence and produce his evidence, and if the accused puts in any written statement, the Sessions Judge shall file it with the record. (9) If the accused, after he has entered upon his defence, applies to the Court to issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness for the purpose of examination or cross-examination or the production of any document or other thing, the Court shall issue such process unless it considers that such application should be refused on the ground that it is made for purpose of vexation or delay or for defeating the ends of justice. Such ground shall be recorded by it in writing and its finding shall be final : Provided that when the accused has cross-examined or had the opportunity of cross-examining any witness, the attendance of such witness shall not be compelled under this clause, unless the Court is satisfied that it is necessary for the ends of justice : Provided further that the Court may, before summoning any witness on such application under this clause, require that his reasonable expenses incurred in attending for the purpose of the trial be deposited in the Court. (10) If the Session Judge, after giving the prosecution and the accused an opportunity of being heard, finds the accused guilty he shall convict him and pass sentence upon him under this Act, and if he finds the accused not guilty he shall record an order of acquittal.