159. When trial may proceed immediately after alteration or addition

If a charge is framed or an alteration or addition is made under either of section 157 or 158, the Court shall forthwith call upon the a accused to plead thereto and to state whether he is ready to be tried on such charge or altered or added charge.

If the accused declares that he is not ready -

if, in the opinion of the Court, proceeding immediately with the trial is not likely to prejudice the accused in his defence or the prosecutor in the conduct of the case, the Court may, in its discretion, after such charge or alteration or addition has been framed or made, proceed with the trial as if the new or altered or added charge had been the original charge.