Application by an Accused at a Joint Trial to be Tried Separately

Where two or more accused are charged jointly or are charged in the same charge-sheet with offences alleged to have been committed by them separately, any one of the accused may, before pleading to the charge or charges, apply to the court to be tried separately on the ground that he would be prejudiced in his defence if he were not tried separately. If the accused makes such an application the prosecutor may address the court 53 in answer thereto and the accused may reply to the prosecutor’s address. If the court is of the opinion that the interests of justice so require it shall allow the application and try separately the accused who made it.