Section 257 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 explains the process governing the pleas advanced during a trial of offences. It requires that at the close of the defense's presentation and cross-examination of its witnesses, the prosecution is compelled to make a summary of the case against the accused. Such a summary would reflect all evidence presented by the prosecution as well as all the arguments made throughout the trial, including all the critical factors that the prosecution believes establish their case to the conviction of the accused.

Following the summary by the prosecutor, the accused or his advocate is given an opportunity to respond. This is a chance for the defense to highlight key issues in their case, rebut some of the points made by the prosecution, and respond to anything said in the summation by the prosecutor.

In the event that the defense has legal issues to raise during their reply, the prosecution is allowed, with the leave of the judge, to respond.