Section 145

If the accused elects to make his defence before the examining Magistrate instead of making a written statement under section 141, the statement made by the accused, if any, shall be taken down in writing and read over to him and shall be signed by the examining Magistrate and kept with the written statements made under section 141 and depositions, if any, and transmitted with them as hereinafter mentioned.

The evidence of the accused if he tenders himself as a witness in his own behalf in lieu of making a statement under subsection (1) or section 141 and of any witnesses whom he may desire to call shall then be taken.

Notwithstanding anything in the Evidence Act [Cap. 97], the accused shall be a competent witness in his own behalf in all inquiries under this Chapter. [144