7. Replacement of section 197 of the principal enactment

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

Section 197 of the principal enactment is hereby repealed and the following section substituted therefor :—

197. (1) If the accused pleads guilty to—

(a)

the offence with which he is indicted; or

(b)

a lesser offence for which he could be convicted on that indictment and the

Court and the Attorney-General are willing to accept that plea, and it appears to the satisfaction of the Judge that he rightly comprehends the effect of his plea, the plea shall be recorded on the indictment and he may be convicted thereon :

Provided that when the offence so pleaded to is one of murder, the Judge may refuse to receive the plea and cause the trial to proceed in like manner as if the accused had pleaded not guilty.

(2)

The Judge shall in sentencing the accused have regard to the fact that he so pleaded.”.

Read on from s 8