law: Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
  
  296.Evidence of formal character on affidavit.-
  (1) The evidence of any person whose evidence
  
  is of a formal character may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just
  
  exceptions, be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under
  
  this Code.
  (2) The Court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of the
  
  prosecution or the accused, summon and examine any such person as to the facts
  
  contained in his affidavit.