What is the effect of the accused person refuses to make defense when prima a facie case has been established against him?

Section 231(1) of  Criminal  Procedure  Act provides that  the Court is entitled to draw an  adverse inference  against  the accused person  who  refuses to make  defense  when a prima facie case has been established against  him. The section also requires  the Court as well  as the prosecution to comment  on the failure  by the accused to  give  evidence.