Section 159

If a charge is framed or alteration or addition made under either section 157 or 158, the Court shall immediately call upon the accused to plead thereto and to state whether he is ready to be tried on the charge or altered or added charge. If the accused declares that he is not ready, the Court shall duly consider the reasons he may give and if proceeding immediately with the trial is not likely, in the opinion of the Court, to prejudice the accused in his defence or the prosecutor in the conduct of the case, the Court may, in its discretion, after the 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.