Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
236.Previous conviction.-
In a case where a previous conviction is
charged under the provisions of sub-section (7) of section 211, and the accused
does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge,
the Judge may, after he has convicted the said accused under section 229 or
section 235, take evidence in respect of the alleged previous conviction, and
shall record a finding thereon:
Provided that no such charge shall be read out by the Judge nor shall
the accused be asked to plead thereto nor shall the previous conviction be
referred to by the prosecution or in any evidence adduced by it, unless and
until the accused has been convicted under section 229 or section 235.