Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by the Court

(a) Calling by Court. The court may, on its own motion or by suggestion of a party, call witnesses, and all parties are entitled to cross-examine witnesses thus called. (b) Interrogation by Court. The court may interrogate witnesses, whether called by itself or by a party. (c) Objections. Objections to the calling of witnesses by the court or to interrogation by it may be made at the time or at the next available opportunity when the jury is not present.