Cr.P.C Section 340

Right of person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended and his competency to be a witness.

(1) Any person accused of an offence before a Criminal Court, or against whom proceedings are instituted under this Code in any such Court, may of right be defended by a pleader.

[(2) Any person accused of an offence before a Criminal Court or against whom proceedings are instituted under this Code in any such Court shall, if he does not plead guilty, give evidence on oath in disproof of the charges or allegations made against him or any person charged or tried together with him at the same trial:
Provided that he shall not be asked, and, if asked, shall not be required to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed or been convicted of any offence other than the offence with which he is charged or for which he is being tried, or is of bad character, unless__

• (i) the proof that he has committed or been convicted of such offence is admissible in evidence to show that he is guilty of the offence with which he is charged or for which he is being tried; or
• (ii) he has personally or by his pleader asked questions of any witness for the prosecution with a view to establishing his own good character, or has given evidence of his good character; or
• (iii) he has given evidence against any other person charged with or tried for the same offence.]