151B. Written statements in lieu of depositions

In any preliminary inquiry, a written statement made by any person shall, if the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) are satisfied, be admissible to the same extent as oral evidence and to the same effect given a by that person would be admissible under the Evidence Act (Chapter 108).

The conditions are that -

the statement contains a declaration by that person that it is true to the best of his knowledge and belief;

Notwithstanding that a written statement made by any person may be admissible in a preliminary inquiry by virtue of this section, the

So much of any statement as is admitted in evidence by virtue of this section shall, unless the Magistrate for reasons to be recorded by him otherwise directs, be read aloud in Court at the preliminary inquiry by the party tendering it or his representative, or by an official of the Court, as the

Any document or object referred to as an exhibit and a identified in a written statement tendered in evidence under this section shall

So much any statement as is admitted in evidence by virtue of this section shall, if the conditions mentioned in section 33 of the Evidence

Subject to the provisions of sections 15 1A and 15 lB, the provisions of Chapter XVII apply, with any necessary exceptions, qualifications or modifications, to any preliminary inquiry to which the provisions of sections 1 5 1 A and 15 1 B apply.

The Magistrate may exercise the powers conferred upon him by section 145 in respect of any person whose statement has been admitted in evidence by virtue of this section as if that person had appeared before him as a witness in the preliminary inquiry, and for that purpose may summon the maker of the statement to appear before him at any time before the trial of the person or persons committed, and may issue a warrant for the arrest of the maker of the statement if he fails to appear in answer to any such summons.