trial under section 85 of the (Cap 227.)Magistrates Ordinance, in the trial before the Supreme Court of all things as to which he is lawfully examined, he will not be prosecuted for any offence disclosed by his evidence; and upon such person giving evidence in any such proceedings no prosecution against him for any offence disclosed by his evidence therein shall be instituted or carried on unless the court before which he gives evidence considers that he has wilfully withheld evidence or given false testimony and so certifies to the Attorney General in writing.
Burden of proof. 24. In any proceedings against a person for an offence under this Ordinance, the burden of proving a defence of lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall lie upon the accused.
Presumption of corruption in certain cases. 25. Where, in any proceedings for an offence under section 4 or 5, it is proved that the accused gave or accepted an advantage, the advantage shall be presumed to have been given and accepted as such inducement or reward as is alleged in the particulars of the offence unless the contrary is proved.
Comment on failure of accused to give evidence. 26. Notwithstanding any law or practice to the contrary, it shall be lawful for the court in any proceedings for an offence under Part II to comment on the failure of the accused to give evidence on oath.
PART V.
Miscellaneous.
Frivolous, false or groundless complaints to be reported to the Attorney General. 27. At the conclusion of proceedings for an offence under this Ordinance, the court may, if of the opinion that the complainant or any other person has knowingly, and with intent to harm the accused, made a false, frivolous or groundless allegation against him, so certify in writing and transmit the certificate and the record of the proceedings to the Attorney General.
Costs on acquittal. 28. Where a person is acquitted after trial before the Supreme Court or the District Court for an offence under Part II, the court may award costs to that person, such costs to be taxed and paid out of the general revenue.
Offence of making a false report of the commission of offence, etc. 29. Any person who, during the course of an investigation into, or in any proceedings relating to, an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under this Ordinance, knowingly—
- (a) makes or causes to be made a false report of the commission of an offence under this Ordinance to—
- (i) any police officer specified in an authorization given under section 13; or
