dress is concerned, it is to be noted that no question Criminal Appeal no.2567 of 2024 etc. Page 6 of 15in this regard was put to the accused while he was examined under Section 313 of the Code. 12. The purpose of Section 313 of the Code is set out in its opening words—‘for the purpose of enabling the accused personally to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him’. In Hate Singh Bhagat Singh v. State of Madhya Bharat [1951 SCC 1060 : AIR 1953 SC 468 : 1953 Cri LJ 1933] it has been laid down by Bose, J. (AIR p. 469, para 8) that the statements of the accused persons recorded under Section 313 of the Code ‘are among the most important matters to be considered at the trial’. It was pointed out that : (AIR p. 470, para 8) ‘8. … The statements of the accused recorded by the committing Magistrate and the Sessions Judge are intended in India to take the place of what in England and in America he would be free to state in his own way in the witness box [and that they]