Accused competent witness for defence
Section 131 of the Navy Act, 1957 deals with accused competent witness for defence. A person of an offence before a court-martial shall be a competent witness for the defence and may give evidence on oath in disproof of the charges made against him or any person charged together with him at the same trial: Provided that-- (a) he shall not be called as a witness except on his own re The Act came into force on 01 Jan 1958.
A person of an offence before a court-martial shall be a competent witness for the defence and may give evidence on oath in disproof of the charges made against him or any person charged together with him at the same trial:
Provided that--
(a) he shall not be called as a witness except on his own request in writing; or
(b) his failure to give evidence shall not be made the subject of any comment by any of the parties or the court or give rise to any presumption against himself or any person charged together with him at the same trial.
Section 131, The Navy Act, 1957 (Act 62 of 1957).
Questions about Section 131
What does Section 131 of the Navy Act deal with?
Section 131 of the Navy Act is headed "Accused competent witness for defence". A person of an offence before a court-martial shall be a competent witness for the defence and may give evidence on oath in disproof of the charges made against him or any person charged together with him at the same trial: Provided that-- (a) he shall not be called as a witness except on his own re
How do I find court cases under Section 131 of the Navy Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Navy Act 1957 131, section 131 Navy Act 1957, section 131 of the Navy Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 131 of the Navy Act come into force?
Section 131 of the Navy Act, cited as Navy Act 1957 131, came into force on 01 Jan 1958, having been enacted on 27 Dec 1957. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 97. Constitution of courts-martial1231 words
- 31. Liability for maintenance of wife and children1010 words
- 82. Provisions as to award of punishment902 words
- 3. Definitions777 words
- 133. Presumption as to certain documents679 words
- 168. Appointment of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy and his subordinate officers526 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 20 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.