Trial of persons previously convicted of offences against coinage, stamp-law or property
GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO INQUIRIES AND TRIALS
(1) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence punishable under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII of the Penal Code, with imprisonment for a term of three years or upwards, is again accused of any offence punishable under either of those chapters with imprisonment for a term of three years or upwards, shall if the Magistrate before whom the case is pending is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for 396[sending] the accused be 397[sent] to the Court of Session or 398[***] unless the Magistrate is competent to try the case and is of opinion that he can himself pass an adequate sentence if the accused is convicted:
When any person is 400[sent] to the Court of Session 401[***] under sub-section (1), any other person accused jointly with him in the same inquiry or trial shall be similarly 402[sent] unless the Magistrate discharges such other person under 403[section 241A].
Explanation
Provided that, if any Magistrate in the district has been invested with powers under section 30, the case may be transferred to him instead of being 399[sent] to the Court of Session.