law: Sashastra Seema Bal Act, 2007 
  109.  Reference by accused to Government officer  .
  1.       If at
  
  any trial for desertion or absence without leave, over-staying leave or not
  
  rejoining when warned for service, the accused person states in his defence any
  
  sufficient or reasonable excuse for his unauthorised absence, and refers in
  
  support thereof to any officer in the service of the Government, or if it
  
  appears that any such officer is likely to prove or disprove the said statement
  
  in the defence, the Court shall address such officer and adjourn the
  
  proceedings until his reply is received.
  2.       The
  
  written reply of any officer so referred to shall, if signed by him, be
  
  received in evidence and have the same effect as if made on oath before the
  
  Court.
  3.       If the
  
  Court is dissolved before the receipt of such reply or if the Court omits to
  
  comply with the provisions of this section, the convening officer may, at his
  
  discretion, annul the proceedings and order a fresh trial.