Article 49 Change of plea

At any time before the court deliberates on its finding on a charge, an accused who has pleaded not guilty to a charge may, with the leave of the court, withdraw his plea and substitute a plea of guilty.

At any time before the court closes to deliberate on its sentence on a charge, an accused who has pleaded guilty to the charge may, with the leave of the court, withdraw his plea and substitute a plea of not guilty.

Where an accused changes his plea, the court shall proceed so far as is necessary as if the initial plea to that charge were the plea substituted.