Section 218

For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge and every such charge shall be tried separately; Provided that where the accused person, by an application in writing, so desires and the Magistrate is of opinion that such person is not likely to be prejudiced thereby the Magistrate may try together all or any number of the charges framed against such person. Nothing in Sub-Section (1) shall affect the operation of the provisions of sections 219, 220, 221 and 223.