Section 136, The Criminal Procedure Act, 2024

The Court shall, where a defendant stands mute or refusesby reason of mental or physical disability to answer directly to the indictment unless it has reason to believe that the defendant is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, order the Registrar to enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant and the plea so entered shall have the same force and effect as if the defendant had actually pleaded not guilty. But if the Court has reason to believe that the defendant is of unsound mind or psychologically disturbed, it shall proceed in the manner prescribed in section 68. 74 75 Return of service. Form 32 Postponement of trial respiting recognisances. Pleading to Effect of plea of not guilty. Where refuses or is unable to plead. Mode of Trial. Trial by Judge with the aid assessors or by instance of Attorney- General. Change of election, etc.