143Reference by accused to Government officer
(1) If at any trial for desertion or absence without leave, overstaying leave or not rejoining when warned for service, the person tried states in his defence any sufficient or reasonable excuse for his unauthorised absence, and refers in support thereof to any officer in the service of the Government, or if it appears that any such officer is likely to prove or disprove the said statement in the defence, the court shall address such officer and adjourn the proceedings until his reply is received.
(2) The written reply of any officer so referred to shall, if signed by him be received in evidence and have the same effect as if made on oath before the court.
(3) If the court is dissolved before the receipt of such reply, or if the court omits to comply with the provisions of this section, the convening officer may, at his discretion, annul the proceedings and order a, fresh trial.
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- 128 Presiding officer
- 129 Judge advocate
- 130 Challenges
- 131 Oaths of member, judge advocate and witness
- 132 Voting by members
- 133 General rule as to evidence
- 134 Judicial notice
- 135 Summoning witnesses
- 136 Documents exempted from production
- 137 Commissions for examination of witnesses
- 138 Examination of a witness on commission
- 139 Conviction of offence not charged
- 140 Presumption as to signatures
- 141 Enrolment paper
- 142 Presumption as to certain documents
- 143 Reference by accused to Government officer
- 144 Evidence of previous convictions and general character
- 145 Lunacy of accused
- 146 Subsequent fitness of lunatic accused for trial
- 147 Transmission to Central Government of orders under section 146
- 148 Release of lunatic accused
- 149 Delivery of lunatic accused to relatives
- 150 Order for custody and disposal of property pending trial
- 151 Order for disposal of property regarding which offence is committed
- 152 Powers of court-martial in relation to proceedings under this Act