Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, statements of an accused person during trial are…

Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 313 CrPC) permits and requires the specified questioning of the accused to explain circumstances in the evidence against him, generally after prosecution evidence and before the defence stage. It is not sworn defence testimony: no oath is administered. The section includes a summons-case exception where personal attendance has been dispensed with; the purpose and timing distinguish it from the other offered provisions (section 348: summoning material witnesses; section 350: expenses of complainants and witnesses; section 352: oral arguments).