S.L. 220.4 Art. 80Amendment of charge-sheets and charges by the court.

(1) At any time during a trial if it appears to the court that there is in the charge-sheet -

(a) a mistake in the name or description of the accused;

(b) a mistake which is attributable to a clerical error or omissions, the court may amend the charge-sheet so as to correct the mistake.

(2) If at any time during a trial at which there is a judge advocate it appears to the court, before they close to deliberate on their finding, that it is desirable in the interests of justice to make an addition to, omission from or alteration in a charge which cannot be made under sub-rule (1) they may, if such addition, omission or alteration can be made without unfairness to the accused, so amend the charge if the judge advocate concurs.

(3) If at any time during a trial at which there is no judge advocate it appears to the court, before they close to deliberate on their finding, that in the interests of justice it is desirable to make any addition to, omission from or alteration in a charge which cannot be made under sub-rule (1), they may adjourn and report their opinion to the convening officer, who may -

(a) amend the charge if permissible under rule 81 and direct the court to try it as amended after due notice of the amendment has been given to the accused; or

(b) direct the court to proceed with the trial of the charge without amending it; or

(c) convene a fresh court to try the accused.