351. (1) In every inquiry or trial, for the purpose of enabling the accused personally to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him, the Court-
(a) may at any stage, without previously warning the accused put such questions to him as the Court considers necessary;
(b) shall, after the witnesses for the prosecution have been examined and before he is called on for his defence, question him generally on the case:
Provided that in a summons case, where the Court has dispensed with the personal attendance of the accused, it may also dispense with his examination under clause (b).
(2) No oath shall be administered to the accused when he is examined
under
sub-section (1).
(3) The accused shall not render himself liable to punishment by refusing to answer such questions, or by giving false answers to them.
(4) The answers given by the accused may be taken into consideration in such inquiry or trial, and put in evidence for or against him in any other inquiry into, or trial for, any other offence which such answers may tend to show he has committed.
(5) The Court may take help of Prosecutor and Defence Counsel in preparing relevant questions which are to be put to the accused and the Court may permit filing of written statement by the accused as sufficient compliance of this section.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 351 Power to examine accused
Section 352 Oral arguments and memorandum of arguments
Section 353 Accused person to be competent witness
Section 354 No influence to be used to induce disclosure
Section 355 Provision for inquiries and trial being held in absence of accused in certain cases
Section 356 Inquiry, trial or judgment in absentia of proclaimed offender
Section 357 Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings
Section 358 Power to proceed against other persons appearing to be guilty of offence