269. Procedure where accused is not discharged.

(1) If, when such evidence has been taken, or at any previous stage of the case, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence triable under this Chapter, which such Magistrate is competent to try and which, in his opinion, could be adequately punished by him, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused.

(2) The charge shall then be read and explained to the accused and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried.

(3) If the accused pleads guilty, the Magistrate shall record the plea and may, in his discretion, convict him thereon.

(4) If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried, the Magistrate shall proceed to hear the prosecution and the accused and take all such evidence as may be produced in their support.

(5) The accused may enter upon his defence and produce his evidence after the evidence for the prosecution has been taken.

(6) If the accused 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.

(7) The Magistrate may, before summoning any witness on such application, require that the reasonable expenses incurred by the witness in attending for the purposes of the trial be deposited in Court.