Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
243.Evidence for defense.-
(1) The accused shall then be called upon to
enter upon his defense and produce his evidence; and if the accused puts in any
written statement, the Magistrate shall file it with the record.
(2) If the accused, after he has entered upon his defense, applies to the
Magistrate 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 Magistrate shall issue such process unless he
considers that such application should be refused on the ground that it is made
for the purpose of vexation or delay or for defeating the ends of justice and
such ground shall be recorded by him in writing:
Provided that, when the accused has cross-examined or had the
opportunity of cross-examining any witness before entering on his defense, the
attendance of such witness shall not be compelled under this section, unless
the Magistrate is satisfied that it is necessary for the ends of justice.
(3) The Magistrate may, before summoning any witness on an application under
sub-section (2), require that the reasonable incurred by the witness in
attending for the purposes of the trial be deposited in Court.