Section 136(1) in The Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996
(1)At the hearing of a suit, a Panchayati Adalat or Bench thereof may first examine the parties to ascertain their cases and to find out what the points of difference between them are. In taking evidence the Panchayati Adalat or a Bench thereof shall first examine the plaintiff or the applicant on his witnesses and afterwards the defendant or the non-applicant and his witnesses, as the case may be, while trying a criminal case, the Panchayati Adalat or a Bench thereof shall first explain to the accused the charge or charges made against him and record the prosecution evidence and then examine the accused and record the evidence :Provided that if in a criminal case an accused makes a clear and voluntary confession of the guilt, he shall be convicted without recording any evidence while in a civil case if the claim of the plaintiff or the applicant is totally admitted by the other party it will not be necessary for Panchayati Adalat or a bench thereof to record any evidence.
