Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
242.Evidence for prosecution.-
(1) If the accused refuses to plead or does
not plead, or claims to be tried or the Magistrate does not convict the accused
under section 241, the Magistrate shall fix a date for the examination of
witnesses.
(2) The Magistrate may, on the application of the prosecution, issue a summons
to any of its witnesses directing him to attend or to produce any document or
other thing.
(3) On the date so fixed, the Magistrate shall proceed to take all such
evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution:
Provided that the Magistrate may permit the cross-examination of any
witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined
or recall any witness for further cross-examination.