Criminal Procedure Code 125 Chapter XX TRIALS BEFORE THE HIGH COURT Commencement of trial 178. (1) When the Court is ready to commence the trial, the accused shall appear or be brought before it and the charge shall be read and explained to him and he shall be asked whether he is guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried. (2) If the accused pleads guilty the plea shall be recorded, and he may be convicted on it: Provided that before a plea of guilty is recorded the Court shall ascertain that the accused understands the nature and consequences of his plea and intends to admit, without qualification, the offence alleged against him. (3) If the accused refuses to plead or does not plead, or if he claims to be tried, the Court shall proceed to try the case. Opening case for prosecution 179. (1) The officer conducting the prosecution shall open his case by stating shortly the nature of the offence charged and the evidence by which he proposes to prove the guilt of the accused. (2) He shall then examine his witnesses, who may in turn be cross-examined for the defence and, if necessary, re-examined. Procedure after conclusion of case for prosecution 180. (1) When the case for the prosecution is concluded, the Court shall consider whether the prosecution has made out a prima facie case against the accused. (2) If the Court finds that the prosecution has not made out a prima facie case against the accused, the Court shall record an order of acquittal.