Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
313.Power to examine the accused.-
(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 defense, question him generally on the case:
Providedthat 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.