Except as otherwise expressly provided, all evidence recorded during a trial or any other proceeding shall be taken in the presence of the accused. However, if the court has dispensed with the personal attendance of the accused, the evidence shall be recorded in the presence of the accused’s pleader.
Provided that, in cases where the evidence of a woman below the age of eighteen years, who is alleged to have been subjected to rape or any other sexual offence, is to be recorded, the court may take appropriate measures to ensure that she is not directly confronted by the accused, while still safeguarding the accused’s right to cross-examination.
Explanation: In this section, the term "accused" includes a person against whom proceedings under Chapter VIII of this Code have been initiated.
