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State of Jammu-Kashmir - Act

The Evidence Act, 1977 (1920 A.D)

JAMMU & KASHMIR
India

The Evidence Act, 1977 (1920 A.D)

Rule THE-EVIDENCE-ACT-1977-1920-A-D of 1920

Published on 11 September 1920
Commenced on 11 September 1920
[This is the version of this document from 11 September 1920.]
[Note: The original publication document is not available and this content could not be verified.]

The Evidence Act, 1977 (1920 A.D)Act No. 13 of Samvat 1077[Sanctioned by His Highness the Maharaja Sahib Bahadur per Chief Ministers Endorsement No. 8372, dated 11th September, 1920 read with State & Council Resolution No. 1 dated 8th April, 1925. (Notification No. 14-L/81.]Preamble. - Whereas it is expedient to consolidate, define and amend the law of Evidence; it is hereby enacted as follows:

Part I – Relevancy of Facts

Chapter I
Preliminary

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

(1)This Act maybe called the Evidence Act, 1977.

(2)It applies to all judicial proceedings in or before any Court, including Courts-martial, but not to affidavits presented to any Court or officer, nor to proceedings before an arbitrator.

(3)It shall come into force on the 1st day of Baisakh, 1978.

2. Saving.

- Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect any provision of any law, Act or Regulation in force in any part of the State and not hereby expealed.

3. Interpretation clause.

- In this Act the following words and expressions are used in the following senses, unless a contrary intention appears from the context:-"Court". - "Court" includes all Judges and Magistrates, and all persons, exceptive arbitrators, legally authorised to take evidence."Fact". - "Fact" means and includes-

(1)anything state of things or relation of things capable of being perceived by the senses ;

(2)any mental condition of which any person is conscious.Illustrations.

(a)That there are certain objects in a certain order in a certain place, is a fact.

(b)That a man heard or saw something, is a fact.

(c)That a man said certain words, is a fact.

(d)That a man holds a certain opinion has a certain, acts in good faith or fraudulently, or uses a particular word in a particular sense, or is or was at a specified time conscious of a particular sensation, is a fact.

(e)That a man has a certain reputation is a fact.

"Relevant". - One fact is said to be relevant to another when the one is connected with the other in any of the ways referred to in the provisions of this Act relating to the relevancy of facts.

(3)"Facts in issue". - The expression "facts in issue" means and includes-any fact from which, either by itself or in connection with other facts, the existence, non-existence, nature or extent of any right, liability, or disability, asserted or denied in any suit or proceeding, necessarily follows.Explanation. - Whenever, under the provisions of law for the time being in force relating to Civil Procedure, any Court records an issue of fact, the fact to be asserted or denied the answer to such issue is a fact in issue.IllustrationsA is accused of the murder of B.At his trial the following facts may be in issue-that A caused B's death;that A intended to cause B's death ;that A had received grave and sudden provocation from B; that A at the time of doing the act which caused B's death, was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing its nature."Document". - "Document" means any matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters,figures or marks, or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter. [Electronic signature and electronic signature shall be documents.] [Added by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]Illustrations.A writing is a document;Words printed, lithographed or photographed are documents :A map or plan is a document;An inscription on a metal plate or stone is a document;A caricature is a document ."Evidence". - Evidence" means and includes-

(1)all statements which the Court permits or requires to be made before it by witnesses, in relation to matters of fact under inquiry;such statements are called oral evidence;

(2)all documents [including electronic records] [Substituted by Act V of 2001, (Section 19).] produced for the inspection of the Court;such documents are called documentary evidence."Proved". - A fact is said to be proved when, after considering the matters before it, the Court either believes it to exist, or considers its existence so probable that prudent man ought, under the circumstances of the particular case, to act upon the supposition that it exists."Disproved". - A fact is said to be disproved when, after considering the matters before it, the Court either believes that it does not exist, or considers its non-existence so probable that a prudent man ought, under the circumstances of the particular case, to act upon the supposition that it does not exist."Not proved - A fact is said to be proved when it is neither proved nor disproved.

4. "May presume".

- Whenever it is provided by this Act that the Court may presume a fact, it may either regard such fact as proved, unless and until it is disproved, or may call for proof of it:"Shall presume". - Whenever it is directed by this Act that the Court shall presume a fact, it shall regard such fact as proved, unless and until it is disproved."Conclusive proof". - When one fact is declared by this Act to be conclusive proof of another, the Court shall, on proof of the one fact, regard the other as proved, and shall not allow evidence to be given for the purpose of disproving it.["The expressions "Certifying Authority" "digital signature" "Digital Signature Certificate" "electronic form" "electronic records" "information" "secure electronic record" "secure digital signature" and "subscriber" shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Information Technology Act. 2000."] [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 10).]

Chapter II
Of the Relevancy of Facts

5. Evidence may be given of facts in issue and relevant facts.

- Evidence may be given in any suit or proceeding of the existence or non-existence of every fact in issue and of such other facts as are hereinafter declared to be relevant, and of no others.Explanation. - This section shall not enable any person to give evidence of a fact which he is disentitled to prove by any provision of the law for the time being in force relating to Civil Procedure.Illustrations

(a)A is tried for the murder of B by beating him with a club with the intention of causing his death.

At A's trial the following facts are in issue :A's beating B with the Club ;A's causing B's death by such beating;A's intention to cause B's death'

(b)A suitor does not bring with him, and have in readiness for production at the first hearing of the case, a bond on which he relies. This section does not enable him to produce the bond or prove its contents at a subsequent stage of the proceedings, otherwise than in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the Code of Civil Procedure.

6. Relevancy of facts forming part of same transaction.

- Facts which, though not in issue, are so connected with a fact in issue as to form part of the same transaction, are relevant, whether they occurred at the same time and place or at different times and places.Illustration

(a)A is accused of the murder of B by beating him. Whatever was said or done by A or B or the by-standers at the beating, or so shortly before or after it as to form part of the transaction, is a relevant fact.

(b)A is accused of waging war against the [Government of India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 (Svt.) for 'king'.] by taking part in an armed insurrection in which property is destroyed, troops are attached, and gaols arc broken open, the occurrence of these facts is relevant, as forming part of the general transaction, though A may not have been present at all of them.

(c)A sues B for a libel contained in a letter forming part of a correspondence. Tatters between the parties relating to the subject out of which the libel arose, and forming part of the correspondence in which it is contained, are relevant facts, though they do not contain the libel itself.

(d)The question is, whether certain goods ordered from B were delivered to A. The goods were delivered to several intermediate persons successively, each delivery is a relevant fact.

7. Facts which are the occasion, cause or effect of facts in issue.

- Facts which are the occasions, cause or effect, immediate or otherwise, of relevant facts, or facts, in issue, or which constitute the state of things under which they happened, or which afforded an opportunity for their occurrence of transaction, or which afforded an opportunity for their occurrence of transaction, are relevant.Illustrations

(a)The question is whether A robbed B.

The facts that shortly before the robbery, B went to a fair with money in his possession, and that he showed it or mentioned the fact that he had it, to third persons, are relevant.

(b)the question is, whether a murdered B.

Marks on the ground, produced by a struggle at or near the place where the murder was committed, are relevant facts.

(c)the question is, whether A poisoned B.

The state of B's health before the symptoms ascribed to poison and habits of B, know to A which afforded an opportunity for the administration of position, are relevant facts.

8. Motive, preparation and previous or subsequent conduct.

- Any fact is relevant which shows or constitutes a motive or preparation for any fact in issue or relevant fact.The conduct of any party, or of any agent to any party, to any suit or proceeding, in reference to such suit or proceeding, or in reference to any fact in issue therein or relevant thereto, and the conduct of any person an offence against whom is the subject of any proceeding, is relevant, if such conduct influences or is influences by any fact in issue or relevant fact, and whether it was previous or subsequent thereto.Explanation 1. - The word "conduct" in this section does not include statements, unless those statements accompany and explain acts other than statements; but this explanation is not to affect the relevancy of statements under any other section of this Act.Explanation 2. - When the conduct of any person is relevant any statement made to him or in his presence and hearing which affects such conduct, is relevant.Illustrations

(a)A is tried for the murder of B.

The facts that A murdered C, that B know that A had murdered C, and that B had tried to extort money from A by threatening to make his knowledge public, arc relevant.

(b)A sues B upon a hand for the payment of money B denies the making of the bond.

The fact that, at the time when the bond was alleged to be made, B required money fora particular purpose, is relevant.

(c)A is tried for the murder of B by poison.

The fact that, before the death of B, A procured poison similar to that which was administered to B, is relevant.

(d)The question is, whether a certain document is the will of A.

The facts that, not long before the date of the alleged will, A made inquiry into matters to which the provisions of the alleged will relate, that he consulted vakils in reference to making the will, and that he caused drafts of other wills to be prepared of which he did not approve, are relevant.

(e)A is accused of a crime.

The facts that, either before or at the time of or after, the alleged crime, A provided evidence which would tend to give to the facts of case an appearance favourable to himself, or that he destroyed or concealed evidence or prevented the presence or procured the absence of persons who might have witnesses, or suborned persons to give false evidence respecting it, are releumint.

(f)The question is, whether A robbed B.

The facts that, after B was robbed, C said in A's presence - "The Police are coming to look for the man who robbed B, "and that immediately afterwards A ran away, are relevant.

(g)The question is, whether Awes 10,000.

The facts that asked C to lend him money, and that D said to C in A's presence and hearing - "I advice you not to trust A, for he owes B 10,000 rupees" and that A went away without making any answer, are relevant facts.

(h)The question is, whether A committed a crime.

The fact that absconded after receiving a letter warning him that inquiry was being made for the criminal, and the contents of the letter, are relevant.

(i)A is accused of a crime.

(j)The question is, whether A was ravished.

The facts that, after the commission of the alleged crime, he absconded, or was in possession of property or the proceeds of property acquired by the crime, or attempted to conceal things which were or might have been used in committing it, are relevant.The fact that, without making a complaint, she said that she had been ravished is not relevant as conduct under this section though it may be relevant, as a dying declaration under section 32, clause (1), or as corroborative under section 157.

(k)The question is, whether A was robbed.

The fact that, soon after the alleged robbery, he made a complaint relating to the offence, the circumstances under which, and the terms in which, the complaint was made, are relevant.The fact that he said he had been robbed without making any complaint, is not relevant, as conduct under this section, though it may be relevant, as a dying declaration under section 32. clause (1), or as corroborative under section 157.

9. Facts necessary to explain or introduce relevant facts.

- Facts necessary to explain or introduce a fact in issue or relevant fact, or which support or rebut an inference suggested by a fact in issue or relevant fact, or which establish the identity of anything or person whose identity is relevant, or fix the time or place at which any fact in issue or relevant fact happened, or which show the relation of parties by whom any such fact was, transacted, are relevant in so far as they are necessary for that purpose.Illustrations.

(a)The question is whether a given document is the will of A.

The state of A's property and of his family at the alleged will may be relevant facts.

(b)A sues B for a libel imputing disgraceful conduct to A; B affirms that the matter alleged to be libellous is is true.

The position and relations of the parties at the time when the libel as published may be relevant facts as introductory to the facts in issue.The particulars of a dispute between A and B about a matter unconnected with the alleged libel are irrelevant, though the fact that there was a dispute may be relevant if it affected the relations between A and B.

(c)A is accused of a crime.

The fact that, soon after the commission of the crime, A absconded from his house, is relevant under section 8, as conduct subsequent to and affected by facts in issue.The fact that at the time when he left home he had sudden and urgent business at the place to which he went, is relevant, as tending to explain the fact that he left home suddenly.The details of the business on which he left are not relevant, except in so far as they are necessary to show that the business was sudden and Urgent.

(d)A sues B for inducing C to break a contract of service made by him with A, C, on leaving A's service, says to A- I "am leaving you because B has made me a better offer. "This statement is a relevant fact as explanatory of C's conduct, which is relevant as a fact in issue.

(e)A, accused of theft, is seen to give the stolen property to B, who is seen to give it to A's wife B says as he delivers it- "A says you are to hide this" B's statement is relevant as explanatory of a fact which is part of the transaction.

(f)A is tried for a riot and is proved to have marched at the head of a mob. The cries of the mob are relevant as explanatory of the nature of the transaction.

10. Things said or done by conspirator in reference to common design.

- Where there is reasonable ground to believe that two or more persons have conspired together to commit an offence or an actionable wrong, anything said, done or written by any one of such persons in reference to their common intention after the time when such intention was first entertained by any one of them, is a relevant fact as against each of the persons believed to be so conspiring, as will for the purpose of proving the existence of the conspiracy as for the purpose of showing that any such person was a party to it.IllustrationsReasonable ground exists for believing that A has joined in a conspiracy to wage war against the [Government of India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'King'.].The facts that B procured arms in Europe for the purpose of the conspiracy, C collected money in Calcutta for a like object, D persuaded persons to join the conspiracy in Bombay, F, published writings advocating the object in view at Agra, and F transmitted from Delhi to G at Kabul the money which C had collected at Calcutta, and the contents of a letter written by H giving an account of the conspiracy, are each relevant, both to prove the existence of the conspiracy, and to prove A's complicity in it, although he may have been ignorant of all of them, and although the persons by whom they were done were strangers to him, and although they may have taken place before he joined the conspiracy or after he left it.

11. When facts not otherwise relevant become relevant.

- Facts not otherwise relevant arc relevant -

(1)if they are in consistent with any fact in issue or relevant fact;

(2)if by themselves or in connection with other facts they make the existence or non-existence of any fact in issue or relevant fact highly probable or improbable.Illustrations

(a)The question is whether A committed a crime at Srinagar on a certain day.

The fact that, on that day, A was at Jammu is relevant.The fact that, near the time when the crime was committed, A was at a distance from the place where it was committed, which would render it highly improbable, though not impossible, that he committed it is relevant.

(b)The question is, whether A committed a crime.

The circumstances are such that the crime must have been committed either by A, B, C or D Every fact which shows that the crime could have been committed by no one else and that it was not committed by either B, C or D is relevant.

12. In suits for damages, facts tending to enable Court to determine amount, are relevant.

- In suits in which damages are claimed, any fact which will enable the Court to determine the amount of damages which ought to be awarded, is relevant.

13. Facts relevant when right or custom is in question.

- Where the question is as to the existence of any right or custom, the following facts are relevant:-

(a)any transaction by which the right or custom in question was created, claimed, modified, recognized, asserted or denied, or which was inconsistent with its existence ;

(b)particular instances in which the right or custom was claimed, recognized or exercised, or in which its exercise was disputed, asserted or departed from.

IllustrationsThe question is whether A has a right to a fishery. A deed the fishery on A deed conferring the fishery on A's ancestors, a mortgage of the fishery by A's father, a subsequent grant of the fishery by A's father irreconcilable with the mortgage, particular instances in which A's father, exercised the right, or in which the exercise of the right was stopped by A's neighbours, are relevant facts.

14. Facts showing existence of state mind, or of body or bodily feeling.

- Facts showing the existence of any state of mind, such as intention, knowledge good faith, negligence, rashness, ill-will or good-will towards any particular person, or showing the existence of any state of body or bodily feeling, are relevant, when the existence of any such state of mind or body or bodily feeling is in issue or relevant.Explanation 1. - A fact relevant as showing the existence of a relevant state of mind must show that the state of mind exists, not generally, but in reference to the particular matter in question.Explanation 2. - But where, upon the trial of a person accused of an offence, the previous commission by the accused of an offence is relevant within the meaning of this section, the previous conviction of such person shall also be a relevant fact.Illustrations

(a)A is accused of receiving stolen goods knowing them to be stolen. It is proved that he was in possession of a particular stolen article.

The fact that, at the same time, he was in possession of many other stolen articles is relevant, as tending to show that he knew each and all of the articles of which he was in possession to be stolen.

(b)A is accused of fraudulently delivering to another person a counterfeit coin which, at the time when he delivered it, he knew to be counterfeit.

The fact that, at the time of its delivery, A was possessed of a number of other pieces of counterfeit coins is relevant.The fact that A had been previously convicted of delivering to another, person as genuine a counterfeit coin knowing it to be counterfeit is relevant.

(c)A sues B for damage done by a dog of B's which B knew to be ferocious.

The fact that the dog had previously bitten X, Y and Z and that they had made complaints to B, are relevant.

(d)The question is, whether A, the acceptor of a bill of exchange, knew that the name of the payee was fictitious.

The fact that A had accepted other bills drawn in the same manner before they could have been transmitted to him by the payee if the payee had been a real' person, is relevant as showing that A knew that the payee was a fictitious person.

(e)A is accused of defaming B by publishing an imputation intended to harm the reputation of B.

The fact of previous publications by A respecting B, showing ill-will on the part of A towards B is relevant, as proving A's intention to harm B's reputation by the particular publication in question.The fact that there was no previous quarrel between A and B, and that A repeated the matter complained of as he heard it, are relevant, as showing that A did not intend to harm the reputation of B.

(f)A is sued by B for fraudulently representing to B that C was solvent whereby B. being induced to trust C, who was insolvent, suffered loss.

The fact that, at the time,when A represented C to be solvent, C was supposed to be solvent by his neighbours and by persons dealing with him, is relevant, as showing that A made the representation in good faith.

(g)A is sued by B for the price of work done by B, upon a house of which A is owner, by the order of C, a contractor.

A's defence is that B's contract was with C.The fact that A paid C for the work in question is relevant as probing that A did, in good faith, make over to C the management of the work in question, so that C as in a position to contract with B on C's own account, and not as agent for A.

(h)A is accused of the dishonest misappropriation of property which he had found and the question is whether, when he appropriated it, he believed in good faith that the real owner could not be found.

The fact that public notice of the loss of the property had given in the place where A was, is relevant, as showing that A did not in good faith believe that the real owner of the property could not be found.The fact that A knew, or had reason to believe that the notice was given fraudulently C, who had heard of the loss of the property and wished to set up false dim to it, is relevant, as showing that the fact that a knew of the notice did not disprove as good faith.

(i)A is charged at B with intent to kill him. In order to show A's intent the fact of A's of having previously shot at B may be proved.

(j)A is charged with sending threatening letters to B Threatening letters previously sent by A to B may be proved, as showing the intention of letters.

(k)The question is, whether Alias been guilty of cruelty to wards B. his wife.

Expressions of their feeling to wards each other shortly before or after the alleged cruelty are relevant facts.

(l)The question is whether A's death was caused by poison.

Statements made by a during his illness as to his symptoms are relevant facts.

(m)The question is what was the state of A's health at the time an assurance on his life was effected.

Statements made by A as to the state of his health at or near the murder them is irrelevant.

(n)As use negligence in providing him with a carriage for hire not reasonably fit for use, whereby A was injured.

The fact that B's attention was draw on other occasions to the defect of that particular carriage is relevant.The fact that B was habitually negligent about the carriages which he let to hire is irrelevant.

(o)As tried for the murder of B by intentionally shooting him dead.

The fact that A on other occasions shot at B is relevant as showing his intention to shoot B.The fact that A was in the habit of shooting at people with intent to murder them is irrelevant.

(p)A is tried for a crime.

The fact that he said something an indicating an intention to commit that particular crime is relevant.The fact that he said something an indicating a general disposition to commit crimes of that class is irrelevant.

15. Facts bearing on question whether act was accidental or.

- When there is a question whether an act was accidental or intentional, or done with a particular knowledge or intention, the fact that such act formed part of a series of similar occurrences, in each of which the person doing the act was concerned, is relevant.Illustrations

(a)A is accused of burning down his house in order to obtain money for which it is insured.

The fact that A lived in several houses successively each of which be insured, in each of which a fire occurred, and after cash of which fires A received payment from a different insurance office, are relevant, as tending to show that fires were not accidental.

(b)A is employed to receive money from the debtors of B. It is A's duty to make entries in a book showing the amounts received by him. lie makes an entry showing that on a particular occasion he received less then he really did receive.

The question is, whether this false entry was accidental or intentional.The fact that other entries made by A in the same book arc false, and that the false entry is in reach case in favour of A, are relevant.

(c)A is accused of fraudulently delivering to B a counterfeit rupee.

The question is, whether the delivery of the rupee was accidental.The fact that, soon before or soon after the delivery to B, A delivered counterfeit rupees to C, D and F, are relevant, as showing that the delivery to B was not accidental.

16. Existence of course of business when relevant.

- When there is a question whether a particular act was done, the existence of any course of business, according to which it naturally would have been done, is a relevant fact.Illustrations

(a)The question is, whether a particular letter was dispatched.

The fact that it was the ordinary course of business for all letters put in a certain place to be carried to the post, and that particular letter was put in that place are relevant.The question is, whether a particular letter reached A. The fact that it was posted in due course, and was not returned through the Dead Letter Office, are relevant Admissions.

17. Admission defined.

- An admission is a statement, [oral or documentary or contained in electronic form] [Substituted by Act V of 2001, (Section 20).] which suggests any inference as to any fact in issue or relevant fact, and which is made by any of the persons, and under the circumstances, hereinafter mentioned.

18. Admission by party to proceedings or his agent.

- Statements, made by a party to the proceeding or by an agent to any such party, whom the Court regards under the circumstances of the case, as expressly or impliedly authorised by him to make them, are admissions.by suitor in representative character. - Statements made by parties to suits suing or sued in a representative character, are not admissions, unless they were made while the party making them held that character.Statements made by-

(1)by party interested in subject-matter. - persons who have any proprietary or pecuniary interest in the subject-matter of the proceeding, and who make the statement in their character of persons so interested, or

(2)by person from whom interest derived. - persons from whom the parties to the suit have derived their interest in the subject-matter of the suit,are admissions, if they are made during the continuance of the interest of the persons making the statements.

19. Admission by persons whose position must be proved as against party to suit.

- Statements made by persons whose position or liability it is necessary to prove as against any party to the suit, are admissions if such statements would be relevant as against such persons in relation to such position or liability in a suit brought by or against them, and if they are made whilst the person making them occupies such position or is subject to such liability.IllustrationA undertakes to collect rents for B.B sues A for not collecting rent due from C to B.A denies that rent was due from C to B.A statement by C that he owed B rent is an admission, and is a relevant fact as against A, if A denies that C did owe rent to B.

20. Admissions by persons expressly referred to by party to suit.

- Statements made by persons to whom a party to the suit has expressly referred for information in reference to a matter in dispute are admissions.IllustrationThe question is whether a horse sold by A to B is sound A says to B - "Go and ask C; C knows all about it", C's statement is an admission.

21. Proof of admissions against persons making them, and by or on their behalf.

- Admissions are relevant and may be proved as against the person who makes them, or his representative in interest; but they cannot be proved by or on behalf of the person who makes them or by his representative in interest, except in the following cases:

(1)An admission may be proved by or on behalf of the person making it. when it is of such a nature that, if the person making it were dead, it would be relevant as between third persons under section 32.

(2)An admission may be proved by or on behalf of the person making it, when it consists of a statement of the existence of any state of mind or body relevant or in use, made at or about the time when such state of mind or body existed, and is accompanied by conduct rendering its falsehood improbable.

(3)(1) An admission may be proved by or on behalf of the person making it, if it is relevant otherwise than as an admission.Illustrations

(a)The question between A and B is, whether a certain deed is or is not forged, A affirms that it is genuine, B that it is forged.

A may prove a statement by B that the deed is genuine, and B may prove a statement by A that the deed is forged : but A cannot prove a statement by himself that the deed is genuine, nor can B prove a statement by himself that the deed is forged.

(b)A is accused of a crime committed by him at Srinagar.

He produces a letter-written by himself and dated at Jammu on that day and bearing the Jammu post-mark of that day.The statement in the date of the letter is admissible, because, if A were dead, it would be admissible under section 32, clause (2).

(c)A is accused of receiving stolen goods knowing them to be stolen.

He offers to prove that he refused to sell them below their value.A may prove these statement, though they arc admissions, because they are explanatory of conduct influenced by facts in issue.

(d)A is accused of fraudulently having in his possession counterfeit coin which he knew to be counterfeit.

He offers to prove that he asked a skillful person to examine the coin as he doubted whether it was counterfeit or not and that person did examine it and told him it was genuine.A may prove these facts for the reasons stated in the last preceding Illustration.

22. When oral admission as lo contents of documents are relevant.

- Oral admission as to the contents of a document are not relevant, unless and until the party proposing to prove them shows that he is entitled to give secondary evidence of the contents of such document under the rules hereinafter contained, or unless the genuineness of a document produced id in question.

22A. [ When oral admission as to contents of electronic records are relevant. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 21).]

- Oral admission as to the contents of electronic records are not relevant, unless the genuineness of the electronic record produced is in question.]

23. Admissions in civil cases when relevant.

- In civil cases no admission is relevant, if it is made either upon an express condition that evidence of it is not to be given, or under circumstances from which the Court can infer that the parties agreed together that evidence of it should not be given.Explanation. - Nothing in this section shall be taken to exempt any barrister, pleader, attorney or vakil from giving evidence of any matter of which he may be compelled to give evidence under section 126.

24. Confession caused by inducement, threat or promise, when irrelevant in criminal proceedings.

- A confession made by an accused person is irrelevant in a criminal proceeding, if the making of the confession appears to the Court to have been caused by any inducement, threat or promise having deference to the charge against the accused person, proceeding from a person in authority and sufficient in the opinion of the Court, to give the accused person grounds which would appear to him reasonable for supposing that by making it he would gain any advantage or avoid any evil of a temporal nature in reference to the proceedings against him.

25. Confession to police officer not to be proved.

- No confession made to police officer shall be proved as against a person accused of any offence.

26. Confession by accused while in custody of police not to be proved against him.

- No confession made by any person whilst he is in the custody of officer unless it be made in the immediate presence of a Magistrate, shall be proved as against such person.

27. How much of information received from accused may be proved.

- Provided that, when any fact is deposed to as discovered in consequence of information received from a person accused of any offence in the custody of a police officer, so much information, whether it amounts to a confession or not, as relates distinctly to the fact thereby discovered, may be proved.

28. Confession made after removal of impression caused by inducement, that or promise, relevant.

- If such a confession as in referred to in section 24 is made after the impression caused by any such in documents threat or promise, has in the opinion of the Court, been fully removed, it is relevant.

29. Confession otherwise relevant not to income irrelevant because of promise of secrecy, etc.

- If such a confession is otherwise relevant, it does not become irrelevant merely because it was made under a promise of secrecy, or in consequence of a deception practised on the accused person for the purpose of obtaining it, or when he was drunk, or because it was made in answer to questions which he need not have answered, whatever may have been the form of those questions, or because he was not warmed that he was not bound to make such confession, and that evidence of it might be given against him.

30. Consideration of proved confession affecting person making it and other jointly under trial for same offence.

- When more persons than one are being tried jointly for the same offence, and a confession made by one of such persons affecting himself and some other of such persons is proved, the Court may take into consideration such confession as against such other person as well as against the person who makes such confession.Explanation. - "Offence" as used in this section, includes the abetment of or attempt to commit, the offence.Illustrations

(a)A and B are jointly tried for the murder of C. It is proved that A said - "B and I murdered C." The Court may consider the effect of this confession as against B.

(b)A is on his trial for the murder of C. There is evidence to show that C was murdered by A and B, said - A and I murdered C."

This statement may not be taken into consideration by the Court against A, as B is not being jointly tried.

31. Admissions not conclusive proof, but may estop.

- Admission are not conclusive proof of the matters admitted but they may operate es-topples under the provisions hereinafter contained.Slat merits by persons who cannot be called as witness.

32. Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found, etc. is relevant.

- Statements, written or verbal, of relevant facts made by a person who is dead, or who cannot be found, or who has become incapable of giving evidence or whose attendance cannot be procured without an amount of delay or expense which under the circumstances of the case appears to the Court unreasonable, are themselves relevant facts in the following cases .

(1)When it relates to cause of death. - When the statement is made by a person as to the cause of his death, or as to any of the circumstances, of the transaction which resulted in his death, in cases in which the cause of that person s death comes into question.Such statements are relevant whether the person who made them was or was not, at the time when they were made,under expectation of death, and whatever may be the nature of the proceeding in which the cause of his death comes into question.

(2)or is made in course of business. - When the statement was made by such person in the ordinary course of business, and in particular when it consists of any entry or memorandum made by him in books kept in the ordinary course of business, or in the discharge of professional duty ; or of an acknowledgement written or signed by him of the receipt of money, goods, securities or property of any kind; or of a document used in commerce written or signed by him; or of the date of a letter or other document usually dated, written or signed by him.

(3)or against interest of maker. When the statement is against the pecuniary or proprietary interest of thee person making it, would expose him or would have exposed him to a criminal prosecution or to a suit for damages.

(4)or gives opinion as to public right or custom, or matters of general interest. - When the statement gives the opinion of any such person, as to the existence of any public right or custom or matter of public or general interest, of the existence of which, if it existed, he would have been likely to be aware, and when such statements was made before any controversy as to such right, custom or matter has arisen.

(5)or relates to existence of relationship. - When the statements relates to the existence of any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption between persons as to whose relationship by blood, marriage or adoption the person making the statement had special means of knowledge, and when the statements was made before the question in dispute was raised.

(6)or is made in will or deed relating to family. - When the statement relates to the existence of any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption between persons deceased, and is made in any will or deed relating to the affairs of the family to which any such deceased person belonged, or in any family pedigree, or upon any tombstone, family portrait or other thing on which such statements s are usually made, and when such statement was made before the question in dispute was raised.

(7)or in document relating to transaction mentioned in section 13, clause (a). - When the statements is contained in any deed, will or other document which relates to any such transaction as is mentioned in section 13, clause (a)

(8)or is made by several persons and expresses feelings relevant to matter in question. - When the statement was made by a number of persons, and expressed feeling or impression on their part relevant to the matter in question.Illustrations

(a)The question is, whether A was murdered by B; or

A dies of injuries received in a transaction in the course of which she was ravished. The question is whether she was ravished by B : orThe question is, whether A was killed by B under such circumstances that a suit would lie against B by A's widow.Statement made by A as to the cause of his or her death, referring respectively to the murder, the rape and the actionable wrong under consideration are relevant facts.

(b)The question is as to the date of A's birth.

An entry in the diary of a deceased surgeon regularly kept in the course of business, stating that on a given day he attended A's mother and delivered her of a son, is a relevant fact.

(c)the question is, whether a was in Calcutta on a given day.

A statement in the diary of a deceased solicitor, regularly kept in the course of business, that on a given day the solicitor attended A at a place mentioned, in Calcutta, for the purpose of conferring with him upon specified business, is a relevant fact.

(d)The question is, whether rent was paid to A for certain land.

A letter from A's deceased agent to A saying that he had received the rent on A's account and held it at A's orders, is a relevant fact.

(c)The question is, whether A and B were legally married.

The statements of a deceased clergyman that he married them under such circumstances that the celebration would be a crime is relevant.

(d)The question is, whether A. a person who cannot be found, wrote a letter written by him is dated on the day is relevant

(g)The question is. whether a given road is a public way.

A statement by A, a deceased headman of the village, that the road was public, is a relevant fact.

(h)The question is, what was the price of grain on a certain day in a particular market. A statement of the price, made by a deceased B and A in the ordinary course of his business, is a relevant fact.

(i)The question is, whether A. who is dead, was the father of B.

A statement by A, that B was his son, is a relevant fact.

(j)The question is, what was the date of birth of A.

A letter from A's deceased father to a friend, announcing the birth of A on given day, is a relevant fact.

(k)The question is, whether, and when, A and B were married.

An entry in a memorandum-book by C the deceased father of B, of his daughter marriage with A on a given date, is a relevant fact.

(l)A sues B for a libel expressed in a painted caricature exposed in a shop window. The question is as to the similarity of the caricature and its libellous character. The remarks of a crowd of spectators on these points may be proved.

33. Relevancy of certain evidence for proving's in subsequent proceeding, the truth of facts therein stated.

- Evidence given by a witness in a judicial proceeding, or before any persons authorised by law to take it, is relevant for the purpose of proving, in a subsequent judicial proceeding, or in a letter stage of the same judicial proceeding, the truth of the facts which it states, when the witness is dead or cannot be found, or is incapable of giving evidence, or is kept out of the way by the adverse party, or if his presence cannot be obtained without an amount of delay or expense which, under the circumstances of the case, the Court considers unreasonable;Provided -that the proceeding was between the same parties or their representatives in interest;that the adverse party in the first proceeding had the right and opportunity to cross-examine :that the question in issue were substantially the same in the first as in the second proceeding.Explanation. - A criminal trial or inquiry shall be deemed to be a proceeding between the prosector and the accused within the meaning of this section.Statements made under special circumstances.

34. Entries in book of account when relevant.

- [Entries in books of account including those maintained in an electronic from] [Substituted by Act V of 2001, (Section 22).] regularly kept in the course of business, are relevant whenever they refer to matter into which the Court has to inquire, but such statements shall not alone be sufficient evidence to charge any person with liability.IllustrationA sues B for Rs 1,000 and shows entries in his account book showing B to be indebted to him to his amount. The entries are relevant, but are not sufficient, without other evidence, to prove the debt.

35. Relevancy of entry in public [record or an electronic record] [Substituted by Act V of 2001, (Section 23).] made in performance of duty.

- An entry in any public or other official book, register or [record or an electronic record] [Inserted by A.L.O 2008.], stating a fact in issue or relevant fact, and made by a public servant in the discharge of his official duty, or by any person in performance of a duty specially enjoined by the law of the country in which such book, register or [record or an electronic record] [Inserted by A.L.O 2008.] is kept is itself a relevant fact.

36. Relevancy of statements in maps, charts and plans.

- Statements of facts in issue or relevant facts, made in published maps or charts generally offered for public sale, or in maps or plans made under the authority of Government as to matters usually represented or stated in such maps, charts or plans, arc themselves relevant facts.

37. Relevancy of statements as to fact of public maintained in certain Acts or notifications.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to the existence of any fact of a public nature, any statement of it, made in a recital contained in any Act of Parliament [of the United Kingdom] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Indian Administration'.] or in any Act or Regulation of any [Indian Administration] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'any British Local Government'.] or of the State or in a notification of the government appearing in the Gazette of India, or in the gazette of [Government of any State within the Indian Union] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'any British Local Government'.] or of the State or in any printed paper purporting to be the London Gazette or the Government Gazette of any colony or possession of the Queen, is a relevant fact.

38. Relevancy of statements as to any law contained in law books.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to a law of any country, any statement of such law contained in a book purporting to be-printed or published under the authority of the Government of such country and to contain any such law, and any report of a ruling of the Courts of such country contained in a book purporting to be a report of such rulings, is relevant.How much of a Statement is to he proved.

39. [ What evidence to be given when statement forms part of a conversation, document, electronic record, book or series of letters or papers. [Substituted by Act of 200l, (Section 24).]

- When any statement of which evidence is given forms part of a longer statement, or of a conversation or pan of an isolated document, or is contained in a document which forms part of a book, or is contained in part of electronic record or of a connected series of letters or papers, evidence shall be given of so much and no more of the statement, conversation, document, electronic record, book or series of letters or papers as the court considers necessary in that particular ease to the full understanding of the nature and effect of the statement, and of the circumstances under which it was made.]Judgements of courts of Justice when relevant

40. Previous judgments relevant to bar a second suit or trial.

- The existence of any judgment, order or decree which by law prevents any Court from taking cognizance of a suit or holding a trial, is a relevant fact when the question is whether such Court ought to take cognizance of such suit or to hold such trial.

41. Relevancy of certain judgments in probate, etc. jurisdiction.

- A final judgment, order or decree of a competent Court, in the exercise of probate, matrimonial or insolvency jurisdiction. which confers upon or takes away from any person any legal character, or which declares any person to be entitled to any such character, or to be entitled to any specific thing, not as against any specified person but absolutely, is relevant when the existence of any such legal character, or the title of any such person to any such thing, is relevant.Such judgment, order or decree is conclusive proof, that any legal character which it confers accrued at the time w hen such judgment, order or decree came into operation ;that any legal character, to which declares any such person to be entitled, accrued to that person at the time when such judgment, order or decree declares it to have accrued to that person:that any legal character which it takes away from any such person ceased at the time from which such judgment, order or declared that it had ceased or should cease; and that anything to which it declares any person to be so entitled was the property of that person at the time from which such judgment, or

42. Relevancy and effect of judgments, orders, or decrees, other than those mentioned in section 41.

- Judgments, orders or decrees other than those mentioned in section 41 are relevant if they relate to matters of a public nature relevant to the enquiry: but such judgments, orders or decrees are not conclusive proof of that which they state.IllustrationA sues B for trespass on his land, B alleges the existence of a public right-of-way over the land, which A denies.The existence of a decree in favour of the defendant, in a suit by A against C for a trespass on the same land, in which Called the existence of the same right-of-way, is relevant but it is not conclusive proof that the right-of-way exists.

43. Judgments, etc. other than those mentioned in sections 40 to 42, when relevant.

- Judgments, orders or decrees, other than those mentioned in sections 40, 41 and 42 are irrelevant, unless the existence of such judgment, order or decree is a fact in issue, or is relevant under some other provision of this Act.Illustrations

(a)A and B separately use C for a libel which reflects upon each of them. C in each case says that the matter alleged to be libellous is true, and the circumstances arc such that it is probably true in each case, or in neither.

A obtains a decree against C for damages on the ground that C failed to make out his justification. The fact is irrelevant as between B and C.

(b)A prosecutes 13 for adultery with C, A's wife.

B denies that is A's wife, but the Court convicts B of adultery.Afterwards, C is prosecuted for bigamy in during A s lifetime, C says that she never was A's wife.The judgment against B is irrelevant as against C.

(c)A prosecutes B for stealing a cow from him, B is convicted.

A afterwards sues C for the cow, which B had sold to him before his conviction. As between A and C, the judgment against B is irrelevant.

(d)A has obtained a decree for the possession of land against B. C, B's son, murders A in consequence.

The existence of the judgment is relevant, as showing motive for a crime.

(e)A is charged with theft and with having been previously convicted of theft. The previous is relevant as a fact in issue.

(f)A is tried for the murder of B. The fact that B prosecuted A for libel and that A was convicted and sentenced is relevant under section 8 as showing the motive for the fact in issue.

44. Fraud or collusion in obtaining judgment, or incompetency of Court, may be proved.

- Any party to a suit or other proceeding may show that any judgment, order or decree which is relevant under section 40, 41 or 42, and which has been proved by the adverse party, was delivered by a Court not competent to deliver it. or was obtained by fraud or collusion.Opinions of third persons, when relevant.

45. Opinions of experts.

- When the Court has to from an opinion upon a point of foreign law, or of science, or art, or as to identity of hand writing or finger impressions, the opinions upon that point of persons specially skilled in such foreign law, science or art. or in questions as to identity of hand writing or finger impressions are relevant facts.Such persons are called experts.Illustrations

(a)The question is, whether the death of a was caused by poison.

The opinion of experts as to the symptoms produced by the poison by which A is supposed to have died, are relevant.

(b)The question is, whether A, at the time of doing a certain act. was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act. or that he was doing what was either wrong or contrary to law.

The opinions of experts upon the question whether the symptoms exhibited by a commonly show unsoundness of mind, and whether such unsoundness of mind usually renders persons incapable of knowing the nature of the acts which they do or knowing that what they do is either wrong or contrary to law, are relevant.

(c)The question is , whether a certain document was written by A another document is produced which is proved or admitted to have been written by A.

The opinions of experts on the question whether the two documents were written by the same person or by different person, are relevant.

45A. [ Opinion of Examiner of electronic evidence. [Inserted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]

- When in any proceedings Court has to form an opinion on any matter relating to any information transmitted or stored in any computer source or any other electronic or digital form, the opinion of examiner of electronic evidence referred to in section 79-A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is a relevant fact.Explanation. - For the purpose of this section, examiner of electronic evidence shall be an expert.]

46. Facts bearing upon opinions of experts.

- facts not otherwise relevant are relevant if they support or are in consistent with the opinions of experts when such opinions are relevant.Illustrations

(a)The question is, whether A was poisoned by a certain poison.

The fact that other persons, who were poisoned by that poison, exhibited certain symptoms which experts affirm or deny to be the symptoms of that poison, is relevant.

(b)The question is, whether an obstruction to a harbour is caused by a certain sea-wall.

The fact that other harbours similarly situated in other respects, but where there no such sea-walls, began to be obstructed at about the same time, is relevant.

47. Opinion as to handwriting, when relevant.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to the person by whom any document was written or signed, the opinion of any person acquainted with the hand writing of the person by whom it is supposed to be written or signed that it was or was not written or signed by that person, is a relevant fact.Explanation. - A person is said to be acquainted with the handwriting of another person when he has seen that person write, or when he has received documents purporting to be written by that person in answer to documents, written by himself or under his authority and addressed to that person or when, in the ordinary course of business, documents purporting to be that person have been habitually submitted to him.

47A. [ Opinion as to digital signature where relevant. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 25).]

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to the digital signature of any person, the opinion of the Certifying Authority which has issued the Digital Signature Certificate is a relevant fact.]IllustrationThe question is, whether a given letter is in the handwriting of A. a merchant in LondonB is a merchant in Srinagar, who has written letters addressed to A and received letters purporting to be written by him C is B's clerk, whose duty it was to examine and file B's correspondence. D is B's broke, to whom B habitually submitted the letters purporting to be written by a for the purpose of advising with him thereon.The opinion of B, C and D on the question whether the letter is in the handwriting of A are relevant, though neither B, nor D ever saw' writ A write.

48. Opinion as to existence of right to custom when relevant.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to the existence of any general custom or right, the opinions, as to the existence of such custom or right, of persons who would be likely to know of its existence if it existed, are relevant.Explanation. - The expression "general custom or right" includes custom or rights common to any considerable class of persons.IllustrationThe right of the villagers of a particular village to use the water of a particular well is a general right within the meaning of this section.

49. Opinion as to usages, tenets etc., when relevant.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to-the usages and tenets of any body of men or family.the constitution and Government of any religious or charitable foundation, orthe meaning of words or terms used in particular districts or by particular classes of people,the opinions of persons having special means of knowledge thereon, are relevant facts.

50. Opinion on relationship when relevant.

- When the Court has to form an opinion as to the relationship of one person to anther, the opinion, expressed by conduct, as to the existence of such relationship, of any person who, as a member of the family or otherwise, has special means of knowledge on the subject, is a relevant fact:Provided that such opinion shall not be sufficient to prove a marriage in prosecutions under sections 494. 495, 497, or 498 of the Ranbir Penal Code.Illustrations

(a)The question is, whether A and B were married.

The fact that they were usually received and treated by their friends as husband and wife, is relevant.

(b)The question, is whether A was the legitimate son of B. The fact that A was always treated as such by members of family, is relevant.

51. Grounds of opinion when relevant.

- Whenever the opinion of any living person is relevant, the grounds on which such opinion is based are also relevant.IllustrationAn expert may give an account of experiments performed by him for the purpose of forming his opinion.Character when relevant

52. In civil cases character to prove conduct imputed irrelevant.

- In civil cases the fact that the character of any person concerned is such as to render probable or improbable any conduct imputed to him is irrelevant, except in so far as such character appears from facts otherwise relevant.

53. In criminal cases previous good character relevant.

- In criminal proceedings the fact that the person accused is of a good character is relevant.

53A. [ Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases. [Inserted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]

- In a prosecution for an offence under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, [section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376DA, section 36DB] or section 376E of the Ranbir Penal Code or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is in issue, evidence of the character of the victim or her previous sexual experience with any person shall not be relevant on the issue of such consent or the quality of consent.]

54. Previous had character not relevant, except in reply.

- In criminal proceeding the fact that the accused person has a bad character, is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant.Explanation 1. - This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue.Explanation 2. - A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character.

55. Character as affecting damages.

- In civil cases the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant.Explanation. - In sections 52, 53, 54 and 55, the word "character" includes both reputation ; but, except as provided in section 54, evidence may be given only of general reputation and general disposition, and not of particular acts by which reputation or disposition.

Part II – On Proof

Chapter III
Facts which need not be proved

56. Fact judicially noticeable need not be proved.

- No fact of which the Court will take judicial notice need be proved.

57. Facts of which Court must take judicial notice.

- The Court shall take judicial notice of the following facts.

(1)all laws or rules having the force of law now or heretofore in force, or hereafter to be in force, in any part of [India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for the 'State'.];

(2)all public Acts passed or hereafter to be passed by Parliament [of the United Kingdom] [Inserted by A.L.O. 2008.] and all local and personal Acts directed by Parliament [of the United Kingdom] [Inserted by A.L.O. 2008.] to be judicially noticed ;

(3)Articles of war for [Indian] [Substituted A.L.O. 2008 for 'Her Majesty's'.] Army [Navy or Air Force] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'Navy'.] ;

(4)[ the course of proceeding of parliament of the United Kingdom, of the Constituent Assembly of India or of the State, or Parliament and of the Legislatures established under any laws for the time being in force in a province or in the States;] [Clause (4) substituted by A.L.O. 2008.]

(5)the accession and the sing manual of the sovereign for the time being of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ; the accession and the seal (or sign manual) of the Rulers of the State for the time being :

(6)all seals of which English Courts take judicial notice: the seals of all the Courts in the State, the seals of all the Courts in [India,] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British India'.] and of all Courts out of [India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British India'.], established by the authority of the Governor General or any Local Government in Council: the seals of Courts of Admiralty and Mari time Jurisdiction and of Notaries Public, and all seals which any person is authorised to use by any Act of Parliament [of the United Kingdom] [Inserted by A.L.O. 2008.] or other Act or Regulation having the force of law in [India] [Substituted A L.O. 2008, 'British India'.]; all seals which any person is authorised to use by any rule or enactment having the force of law in the State ;

(7)the accession to office, names, titles, functions and signatures of the persons filling for the time being any public office in any part of India, if the fact of their appointment to such office is notified in the Gazette of India or in the official Gazette of any Local Government; the accession to office, names, titles, functions and signatures of the persons filling for the time being any public office in any part of the State ;

(8)the existence, title and national flag of every State or Sovereign recognized by the [Government of India] [Substituted By A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Crown'.];

(9)the division of time, the geographical of the world, and public festival, fasts and holidays notified in the Official Gazette ;

(10)the territories under the dominion of the [Government of India,] [Substituted By A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Crown'.] the territories included in the State;

(11)the commencement, continuance and termination of hostilities between the [Government of India] [Substituted By A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Crown'.] and any other State or body of persons

(12)the names of the members and officers of the Court and of their deputies and sub ordinate officer sand assistants, and also of all officers acting in execution of its process, and of all advocates, attorneys, proctors, vakils, pleaders and other persons authorised by law to appear or act before it;

(13)the rule of the road on land or water.:In all these cases and also on all matters of public history, literature, science or art. the Court may resort for its aid to appropriate books or documents of reference.If the court is called upon by any person to take judicial notice of any fact, it may refuse to do so until such person produces any such book or document as it may consider necessary to enable it to do so.

58. Facts admitted need not be proved.

- No fact need be proved in any proceeding which the parties there to or their agents agree to admit at the hearing, or which, before the hearing, they agree to admit by any writing under their hands, or which by any rule or pleading in force at the time they are deemed to have admitted by their pleadings:Provided that the court may, in its discretion, require the facts admitted to proved otherwise than by such admissions.

Chapter IV
Of oral evidence

59. Proof of facts by oral evidence.

- All facts, except the contents of documents [or electronic records] [Substituted by Act V of 2001, (Section 26).] may be proved by oral evidence.

60. Oral evidence must be direct.

- Oral evidence must, in all cases whatever, be direct; that is to say-if it refers to a fact; which could be seen, it must be the evidence of a witness who says he saw it;if it refers to a fact which could be heard, it must be the evidence of a witness who says he heard it;if it refers to a fact which could be perceived by any other sense or in any other manner, it must be the evidence of a witness who says he perceived it by that sense or in that manner;if it refers to an opinion or to the grounds on which that opinion is held, it must be the evidence of the person who holds that opinion on those grounds:Provided that the opinions of experts expressed in any treaties commonly offered for sale and the grounds on which such opinions are held, may be proved by the production of such treaties if the author is dead or cannot be found, or has become incapable of giving evidence, or cannot be called as a witness without an amount of delay or expense which the Court regards as unreasonable ;Provided also that, if oral evidence refers to the existence or condition of any material thing other than a document, the Court may, if it thinks fit, require the production of such material thing for its inspection.

Chapter V
Of Documentary Evidence

61. Proof of contents of documents.

- The contents of documents may be proved either by primary or by secondary evidence.

62. Primary evidence.

- Primary evidence means the document itself produced for the inspection of the Court-.Explanation 1. - Where a document is executed in several parts, each part is primary evidence of the document.Where a document is executed in counterpart, each counterpart being executed by one or some of the parties only, each counterpart is primary evidence as against the parties executing it.Explanation 2. Where a number of documents are all made by one uniform process, as in the case of printing, lithography or photography, each is primary evidence of the contents of the rest; but, where they are all copies of a common original, they are not primary evidence of the contents of the original.IllustrationA person is shown to have been in possession of a number of placards, all printed at one time from one original. Any one of the placards is primary evidence of the contents of any other but no one of them is primary evidence of the contents of the original.

63. Secondary evidence.

- Secondary evidence means and includes-

(1)certified copies given under the provisions hereinafter contained;

(2)copies made from the original by mechanical processes which in themselves insure the accuracy of the copy, and copies compared with such copies ;

(3)copies made from or compared with the original ;

(4)counterparts of documents as against the parties who did not execute them ;

(5)oral accounts of the contents of a document given by some person who has himself seen it.Illustrations

(a)A photograph of an original is secondary evidence of its contents, though the two have not been compared, if it is proved that the thing photographed was the original.

(b)A copy, compared with a copy of a letter made by a copying machine is secondary evidence of the contents of the letter, if it is shown that the copy made by the copying machine was from the original.

(c)A copy transcribed from a copy, but afterwards compared with the original is secondary evidence : but the copy not so compared is not secondary evidence of the original, although the copy from which it was transcribed was compared with the original.

(d)Neither an oral account of a copy compared with the original, nor an account of a photograph or machine-copy of the original, is secondary evidence of the original.

64. Proof of documents by primary evidence.

- Documents must be proved by primary evidence except in the cases hereinafter mentioned.

65. Cases in which secondary evidence relating to documents may be given.

- Secondary evidence may be given of the existence, condition or contents of a document in the following cases:

(a)when the original is shown or appears to be in a possession or power of the person against whom the document is sought to be proved, or of any person out of reach of or not subject to the process of the Court, or of any person legally bound to produce it;

and when, after the notice mentioned in section 66, such person does not produce it;

(b)when the existence, condition or contents of the original have been proved to be admitted in writing by the person against whom it is proved or by his representative in interest;

(c)when the original has been destroyed or lost, or when the party offering evidence of its contents cannot, for any other reason not arising from his own default or neglect produce it in reasonable time;

(d)when the original is of such a nature as not to be easily movable;

(e)when the original is a public document within the meaning of section 74;

(f)when the original is a document of which is a certified copy is permitted by this Act, or by an other law in force in the state, to be given in evidence;

(g)when the originals consists of numinous account or other documents which cannot conveniently be examined in court, and the fact to be proved is the general result of the whole collection.

In cases (a), (e) and (d) any secondary evidence of the contents of the document is admissible.In case (b), the written admission is admissible.In case (e) or (f). a certified copy of the document, but no other kind of secondary evidence, is admissible.In case (g), evidence may be given as to the general result of the documents by any person who has examined them, and who is skilled in the examination of such documents.

65A. [ Special provisions as to evidence relating to electronic record. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 27).]

- The contents of electronic records may be proved in accordance with the provisions of section 65-B.

65B. Admissibility of electronic records.

(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any information contained in an electronic record which is printed on a paper, stored, recorded or copied in optical or magnetic media produced by a computer (hereinafter referred to as the computer output) shall be deemed to be also a document, if the conditions mentioned in this section are satisfied un-relation to the information and computer in question and shall be admissible in any proceedings, without further proof or production of the original, as evidence of any contents of the original or of any fact stated therein of which direct evidence would be admissible.

(2)The conditions referred in sub-section (1) in respect of a computer output shall be the foil wing, namely:

(a)the computer output containing the information was produced by the computer during the period over which the computer was used regularly to store or process information for the purposes of any activities regularly carried on over that period by the person having lawful control over the use of the computer;

(b)during the said period, information of the kind contained in the electronic record or the kind from which the information so contained is derived was regularly fed into the computer in the ordinary course of the said activities;

(c)though out the material part of the said period, the computer was operating properly or, if not, then in respect of any period in which it was not operating properly or was out of operation during that part of the period, was not such as to affect the electronic record or the accuracy of its contents; and

(d)the information contained in the electronic record reproduces or is derived from such information fed into the computer in the ordinary course of the said activities.

(3)Where over any period, the function of storing or processing information for the purposes of any activities regularly carried on over that period as mentioned in clause (a) of sub-section (2) was regularly performed by computers, whether -

(a)by a combination of computers operating over that period;or

(b)by different computers operating in succession over that period; or

(c)by different combinations of computers operating in succession over that period; or

(d)in any other manner involving the successive over that period in whatever order, of one or more computers and one more combinations of computers, all the computers used for that purpose during that period shall be treated for the purposes of this section as constituting a single this section as constituting a single computer; and references in this section to a computer shall be construed accordingly.

(4)In any proceedings where it is desired to give a statement in evidence by virtue of this section, a certificate doing any of the following things, that is to say, -

(a)identifying the electronic record containing the statement and describing the manner in which it was produced ;

(b)giving such particulars of any device involved in the production of that electronic record as may be appropriate for the purpose of showing that the electronic record was produced by a computer;

(c)dealing with any of the matters to which the conditions mentioned in sub-section (2) relate.

and purporting to be signed by a person occupying a respying a responsible official position in relation to the operation of the relevant device or the management of the relevant activities (whichever is appropriate) shall be evidence of any matter stated in the certificate ; and for the purposes of this sub-section it shall be sufficient for a matter to be stated to the best of the know ledge and belief of the person stating it.

(5)For the purposes of this section,

(a)information shall be taken to be supplied to computer if it is supplied thereto in any appropriate from and whether it is so supplied directly or (with or without human intervention) by means of any appropriate equipment;

(b)whether in the course of activities carried on by any official, information is supplied with a view to its being stored or processed for the purposes of those activities by a computer operated otherwise than in the course of those activities, that information, if duly supplied to that computer, shall be taken to be supplied to it in the course of those activities;

(c)a computer output shall he taken to have been produced by a computer whether it was produced by it directly or (with or without human intervention) by means of any appropriate equipment.

Explanation. - For the purposes of this section any reference to information being derived from other information shall be a reference to is being derived therefrom by calculation, comparison or any other process.]

66. Rules as to notice to produce.

- Secondary evidence of the contents of the documents referred to in section 65, clause (a) shall not be given unless the party proposing to give such secondary evidence has previously given to the party in whose possession or power the document is. or to his attorney or pleader, such notice to produce it as is prescribed by law; and if no notice is prescribed by law then such notice as the Court considers reasonable under the circumstances of the case:Provided that such notice shall not be required in order to render secondary evidence admissible in any of the following cases, or in any other case in which the Court thinks fit to dispense with it

(1)when the document to be proved is itself a notice ;

(2)when, from the nature of the case, the adverse party must know that lie will be required to produce it;

(3)when it appears or is proved that the adverse party has obtained possession of the original by fraud or force;

(4)when the adverse party or his agent has the original in court:

(5)when the adverse party or his agent has admitted the loss of the document;

(6)when the person in possession of the documents is out of reach of, or not subject to the process of the court.

67. Proof of signature and handwriting of person alleged to have signed or written document produced.

- If a document is alleged to be signed or to have been written wholly or in part by any person, the signature or the handwriting of so must of the document as is alleged to be in that person's handwriting must be proved to be in his handwriting.

67A. [ Proof as to digital signature. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (section 28).]

- Except in the case of a secure digital signature, if the digital signature of any subscriber is alleged to have been affixed to an electronic record the fact that such digital signature is the digital signature, of the subscriber must be proved.]

68. Proof of execution of document required by law to be attested.

- If a document is required by law to be attested, it shall not be used as evidence until one attesting witness at least has been called for the purpose of proving its execution, and has been examined as a witness if there be an attesting witness alive, and subject to the process of the Court and capable of giving evidence:[Provided that it shall not be necessary to call an attesting witness in proof of the execution of any document, not being a w ill, which has been registered in accordance with the provisions of the Registration Act, 1977, unless its execution by the person by whom it purports to have been executed is specifically denied.] [Proviso to section 68 added by regulation 1 of Svt. 1988, notification 2-L/88 published in Government Gazette dated 18th Har, 1988.]Explanation. - The expression "attest" with its grammatical variations in this section and in section 69 to 77, both inclusive, and sections 89 and 90 means attest with its grammatical valuations as provided by section 59 of the Transfer of property Act.

69. Proof where no attesting witness.

- If no such attesting witness can be found, or if the document purports to have been executed out of the State, it must be proved that the attestation of one attesting witness at least is in his handwriting, and that the signature of the person executing the document is in the handwriting of that person.

70. Admission of execution by party to attested document.

- The admission of a party to an attested document of its execution by himself shall be sufficient proof of its execution as against him, though it be a document required by law to be attested.

71. Proof when attesting witness denies the execution.

- If the attesting witness denies or does not recollect the execution of the document, its execution may be proved by other evidence.

72. Proof of document not required by were to the attested.

- An attested document not required by law to be attested may be proved as if it was unattested.

73. Comparison of signature, writing or seat with others admitted or proved.

- In order to ascertain whether a signature, writing or seal is that of the person by whom it purports to have been written or made, any signature, writing or seal admitted or proved to the satisfaction of the Court to have been written or made by that person may be compared with the one which is to be proved, although that signature, writing or seal has not been produced or proved any other purpose.The court may direct any person present in Court to write any words or figures for the purpose of enabling the Court to compare the words or figures so written with any words or figures alleged to have been written by such person.This section applies also, with any necessary modifications, to finger impression.

73A. [ Proof to verification of digital signature. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 29).]

- In order to ascertain whether a digital signature is that of the person by whom it purports to have been affixed, the Court may direct

(a)that person or the Controller or the Certifying Authority to produce the Digital Signature Certificate;

(b)any other person to apply the public key listen in the Digital Signature Certificate and verify the digital signature purported to have affixed by that person.

Explanation. For the purpose of this section, "Controller" means the Controller appointed under sub-section (1) of section of 17 of the Information Technology Act, 200."]Public Documents.

74. Public Documents.

- The following documents are public documents:

(1)documents forming the acts or records of the acts-

(i)of the sovereign authority.

(ii)of official bodies and tribunals, and

(iii)of public officers, legislative, judicial and executive, whether of the State or [any part of India or of the Commonwealth] [Substitute by A.L.O. 2008 for certain words.] or of a foreign country;

(2)public records kept in the State of private documents.

75. Private documents.

- All other documents are private.

76. Certified copies of public documents.

- Every public officer having the custody of a public document, which any person has a right to inspect, shall give that person on demand a copy of it on payment of the legal fees therefor, together with a certificate written at the foot of such copy that it is a true copy of such document or part thereof, as the case may be, and such certificate shall be dated and subscribed by such officer with his name and his official title, and shall be sealed, whenever such officer is authorised by law to make use of a seal, and such copies so certified shall be called certified copies.Explanation. - Any office who, by the ordinary course of official duty, is authorised to deliver such copies, shall be deemed to have the custody of such documents within the meaning of this section.

77. Proof of documents by production of certified copies.

- Such certified copies may be produced in produced in proof of the contents of the public documents or parts of the public documents of which they purport to be copies.

78. Proof of other official documents.

- The following public documents may be proved as follows: -

(1)Acts Regulations, orders or notifications of the Executive Government of the State or of [India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British India'.] in any of its departments, or of any [Government of a State within the India Union] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Indian'.] or of any [Government of a State within the Indian Union] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British Indian'.]-by the records of the departments, certified by the heads of those department respectively.or by any document purporting to be printed by order of any such Government:

(2)the proceedings of the Legislatures,-by the journals of those bodies respectively, or by published Acts, Regulations or abstracts, or by copies purporting to be printed by [by order of the Government concerned:] [Substituted by Act X of Svt. 2010 for 'by order of the Government]

(3)proclamations, orders or regulations issued by [His Highness the (Governor) or His Majesty] [Substituted by Act X of Svt. 2010 for 'his highness or his Majesty'.] or by the Privy Council, or by any [department of His Majesty's or the Jammu and Kashmir Government] [Substituted by Act X of svt. 2010 for 'department of His Majesty's of His Highness Government'.] -by copies or extracts contained in the London Gazette, or purporting to be printed by the King's Printer or in the Jammu and Kashmir Government Gazette:

(4)the Acts, regulations of the Executive or the proceeding of the Legislature of a foreign country.by journals published by their authority, or commonly received in that country as such, or by a copy certified under the seal of the country or sovereign, or by a recognition thereof in some [Central Act of India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'Public Act of the Governor General of India in Council'.] :

(5)the proceeding of municipal body in State or [India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 (Svt.) for 'British India'.],-by a copy of such proceedings, certified by the legal keeper thereof, or by a printed book purporting to be published by the authority of such body:

(6)public documents of any other class in a foreign country,-by the original, or by a copy certified by the legal keeper, thereof, with a certificate under the seal of a notary public or of [an Indian Counsel] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'a British Consul'.] or diplomatic agent, that the copy is duly certified by the officer having the legal custody o the original, and upon proof of the character of the document according to the law of the foreign country.Presumptions as to Documents

79. Presumption as to genuineness of certified copies.

- The Court shall presume every document purporting to be a certificate, certified copy or other document, which is by law declared to be admissible as evidence of any particular fact and which purports to be duly certified by an officer of the State [or by any officer in India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'by any officer in British India'.] [* * * *] [Certain words omitted by A.L.O. 2008.] to be genuine:Provided that such document is substantially in the form and purports to be executed in the manner directed by law in that behalf.The Court shall also presume that any officer by whom any such document purports to be signed or certified, held when he signed it, the official character which he claims in such paper.

80. Presumption as to documents produced as record of evidence.

- Whenever any document is produced before any court, purporting to be a record or memorandum of the evidence, or of any part of the evidence, given by a witness in a judicial proceeding or before any officer authorised by law to take such evidence or to be a statements or confession by any prisoner or accused person, taken in accordance with law, and purporting to be signed by any Judge or Magistrate, or by any such officer as aforesaid, the Court shall presume that the document is genuine; that any statements as to the circumstances under which it was taken purporting to be made by the person signing it, are true, and that such evidence statement or confession was duly taken.

81. Presumption as to Gazettes newspapers, private Acts of Parliament and other documents.

- The Court shall presume the genuineness of every document purporting to be the Jammu and Kashmir Government Gazette, the London Gazette or the Gazette of India, or the Government Gazette of any [Indian] [Substitution by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British India'.] Local Government, or of any colony, dependency or possession of the British Crown, or to be a newspaper or journal, or to be a copy of a private Act of Parliament [of the United Kingdom] [Inserted by A.L.O. 2008.] printed by the Kings Printer, or of [Act] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'Regulation'.] printed in the Jammu and Kashmir Government Gazette and of every document purporting to be a document directed by any law to be kept by any person, if such document is kept substantially in the form required by law and is produced from proper custody.

81A. [ Presumption as to Gazettes in electronic forms. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, Section 30.]

- The Court shall presume the genuineness of electronics record purporting to be the Official Gazette, or purporting to be electronic record directed by any law to be kept by any person, if such electronic record is kept substantially in the form required by law and is produced from proper custody".]Explanation: - Electronic records arc said to be in proper Custody oil they are in the place in which and under the case of the person with whom they naturally, be, but no custody is improper if it is proved to have had a legitimate origin, or the Circumstances of the particular case are such as to render such an origin probables.

82. Presumption as to document admissible in England or India, without proof of sea or signature.

- When any document is produced before any Court purporting to be a document which, by the law in force for the time being in England and Ireland, or [India] [Inserted by Act V of 2001, Section 33.] would be admissible in proof of any particular in any Court of justice in England or Ireland or [India] [Inserted by Act V of 2001, Section 33.], without proof of the seal or stamp or signature authenticating it, or of the judicial or official character claimed by the person by whom it purports to be signed, the Court shall presume that such seal, stamp or signature, is genuine, and that the person signing it held, at the time when designed it, the judicial or official character which he claims, and the document shall be admissible for the same purpose for which it would be admissible in England or Ireland or [India] [Inserted by Act V of 2001, Section 33.].

83. Presumption as to maps or plans made by authority of Government.

- The Court shall presume that maps or plans purporting to be made by the authority of Government were so made, and are accurate ; but maps or plans made for the purposes of any cause must be proved to be accurate.

84. Presumption as to collections of laws and reports of decisions.

- The Court shall presume the genuineness of every book purporting to be printed or published under the authority of the Government of any country, and to contain any of the laws of that country, and of every book purporting to contain reports of decisions of the Courts of such country.

85. Presumption as to powers of attorney.

- The Court shall presume that every document purporting to be a power of attorney, and to have been executed before, and authenticated by, a notary public, or any Court, Judge, Magistrate, [Indian] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British'.] Consul or Vice-Consul, or representative [***] [Words 'of His Majesty or' Omitted by A.L.O. 2008.] of the Government of India, was so executed and authenticated.

85A. [ Presumption as to electronic agreements. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, Section 31.]

- The Court shall presume that every electronic record purporting to be an agreement containing the digital signatures of the parties was so concluded by affixing the digital signatures of the parties.

85B. Presumption as to electronic records and digital signatures.

(1)In any proceedings involving a secure electronic record, the Court shall presume unless contrary is proved, that the secure electronic record has not been altered since the specific point of time to which the secure status relates.

(2)In any proceedings, involving secure digital signature, the Court shall presume unless the contrary is proved that:

(a)the secure digital signature is affixed by subscriber with the intention of signing or approving the electronic record ;

(b)except in the case of a secure electronic record or a secure digital signature, nothing in this section shall create any electronic recorder any digital signature.

85C. Presumption as to Digital Signature Certificate.

- The court shall presume, unless contrary is proved, that the information listed in a Digital Signature Certificate is correct, except for information specified as subscriber information which has not been verified, if the certificate was accepted by the subscriber.]

86. Presumption as to certified copies of foreign judicial records.

- The Court may presume that any any document purporting to be a certified copy of any judicial record of any country not forming part of His Majesty's dominions is genuine and accurate, if the document purports to be certified in any manner which ids certified by any representative of [* * *] [Words 'His Majesty or of' omitted by A.L.O. 2008 (Svt).] the Government of India in or for such country to be manner commonly in use in that country for the certification of copies of judicial records.An officer who with respect to any or place not forming part of His majesty's dominions, is a political agent therefor, as defined in section 3 [clause (31),] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 (Svt) for 'clause (40)'.] of the General Clauses Act, shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be a representative of the Government of Indian and for the country comprising that territory or place.

87. presumption as to books, maps and charts.

- The Court may presume that any book to which it may refer for information on matters of public or general interest, and that any published map or chart, the statement of which are relevant fact and which is produced for its inspection, was written and published by the person and at the time and place, by whom or at which it purports to have been written or published.

88. presumption as to telegraphic messages.

- The Court may presume that a message, forwarded from a telegraph office to the person to whom such message purports to be addressed, corresponds with a message delivered for transmission at the office from which the message purports to be sent; but the Court shall not make any presumption as to the person by whom such message was delivered for transmission.

88A. [ presumption as to electronic message. [Inserted by Act V of 2001 (Section 32).]

- The Court may presume that an electronic message forwarded by the originator through an electronic mail server to the addressee to whom the message purports to be addressed corresponds with the messages fed into his computer for transmission ; but the Court shall not make any presumption as to the person by whom such message was sent.Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, the expressions "addressee" and"originator" shall have the same meanings respectively assigned to them in clauses (b) and (za) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.]

89. Presumption as to due execution, etc. documents not produced.

- The court shall presume that every document, called for and not produced after notice to produce, was attested, stamped and executed in the manner required by law.

90. Presumption as to documents thirty years old.

- Where any document, purporting or proved to be thirty years old, is produced from any custody which the Court in the particular case considers proper, the Court may presume that the signature and every other part of such document, which purports to be in the handwriting of any particular person, is in that person's handwriting and in the case of a document executed or attested, that it was duly executed and attested by the persons by whom it purports to be executed and attested.Explanation. - Documents are said to be in proper custody if they are in the place in which, and under the care of the person with whom, they would naturally be ; but no custody is improper if it is proved to have had a legitimate origin, or if the circumstances of the particular case are such as to render such an origin probable.This explanation applies also to section 81.Illustrations

(a)A has been in possession of landed property for a long time. The produces from his custody deeds relating to the land, showing his titles to it. The custody is proper.

(b)A produces deeds relating to landed property of which he is the mortgagee, is in possession. The custody is proper.

(c)A, a connection of B, produces deeds relating to lands in B's possession which were deposited with him by B for safe custody. The custody is proper.

90A. [ Presumption as to electronic records five years old. [Inserted by Act V of 2001, (Section 33).]

- Where any electronic record, purporting or proved to be five years old, is produced from any custody which the Court in the particular case considers proper, the Court may presume that the signature which purports to be the digital signature of any particular person was so affixed by him or any person authorised by him in this behalf.Explanation. - Electronic records are said to be in proper custody if they are in the place in which, and under the care of the person with whom, they naturally be; but no custody is improper if it is proved to have had a legitimate origin, or the circumstances of the particular case are such as to render such an origin probable.]

Chapter VI
Of the Exclusion of Oral by Documentary Evidence

91. Evidence of terms of contracts, grants and other dispositions of property reduced to from of document.

- When the terms of a contract, or of a grant, or of any other disposition of property, have been reduced to the form of a document, and in all cases in which any matter is required by law to be reduced to the form of a document, no evidence shall be given in proof of the terms of such contract, grant or other disposition of property, or of such matter, except the document itself, or secondary evidence of its contents in cases in which secondary evidence is admissible under the provisions herein before contained.Exception 1. - when a public officer is required by law to be appointed in writing, and when it is shown that any particular person has acted as such officer, the writing by which he is appointed need not be proved.Exception 2. - Wills admitted to probate in [the State or any other part of India] [Substituted by A.L.O. 2008 for 'British India or the State'.] may be proved by the probate.Explanation 1. - this section applies equally to cases in which the contracts, grants or dispositions of property referred to are contained in one document and to cases in which they are contained in more documents than one.Exception 2. - Where there are more originals than one, one original only need be proved.Explanation 3. - The statement, in any document whatever, of a fact other than the facts referred to in this section, shall not preclude the admission of oral evidence as to the same fact.Illustrations

(a)If a contract be contained in several letters, all the letters in which it is contained must be proved.

(b)If a contract is contained in bill of exchange, the bill of exchange must be proved.

(c)If a bill of exchange is drawn in a set of three, only one need be proved.

(d)A contracts in writing, with B, for the delivery of indigo upon certain terms. The contract mentions the fact that B had paid A the price of other indigo contracted for verbally on another occasion.

Oral evidence is offered that no payment was made for the other indigo. The evidence is admissible.

(e)A gives B a receipt for money paid by B.

Oral evidence is offered of the payment. The evidence is admissible.

92. Evidence of evidence of oral agreement.

- When the terms of any such contract, grant or other disposition of property, or any matter required by law to be reduced to the form of a document, have been proved according to the last section, no evidence of any oral agreement or statement shall be admitted, as between the parties to any such instrument or their representatives in interest, for the purpose of contradicting, varying, adding to, or subtracting from its terms :Proviso (1). - Any fact may be proved which would invalidate any document, or which would entitle any person to any decree or order relating thereto ; such as fraud, intimidation, illegality, want of due execution, want of capacity in any contracting party, want or failure of consideration, or mistake in fact of law.Proviso (2). - The existence of any separate oral agreement as to any matter on which a document is silent,and which is not inconsistent with its terms, may be proved. In considering whether or not this proviso applies, the court shall have regard to the degree of formality of the document.Proviso (3). - The existence of any separate oral agreement, considering a condition precedent to the attaching of any obligation under any such contract, grant or disposition of property, may be proved.Proviso (4). - The existence of any distinct subsequent oral agreement to rescind or modify any such contract, grant or disposition of property, may be proved, except in cases in which such contract, grant or disposition of property is by law required to be in writing, or has been registered according to the law in force for the time being as to the registration of documents.Proviso (5). - Any usage or custom by which incidence not expressly mentioned in any contract are usually annexed to contracts of that description, may be proved :Provided that the annexing of such incident would not be repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the express terms of the contract.Proviso (6). - Any fact may be proved which shows in what manner the language of a document is related to existing facts.Illustrations

(a)Omitted.

(b)A agrees absolutely in writing to pay B Rs. 1,000 on the 1st March, 1873. The fact that, at the same time an oral agreement was made that the money should not be paid till the thirty-first March cannot be proved.

(c)An estate called "the Rampur tea estate" is sold by a deed which contains a map of the property sold. The fact that land not included in the map had always been regarded as part of the estate and was meant to pass by the deed cannot be proved.

(d)A institutes a suit against B for the specific performance of a contract, and also prays that the contract may be reformed as to one of its provisions, as that provision was inserted in it by mistake. A may prove that such a mistake was made as would by law entitle him to have the contract reformed.

(e)A orders goods of B by a letter in which nothing is said as to time of payment, and accept the goods on delivery, B sues A for the price. A may show that goods were supplied on credit for a term still unexpired.

(f)A sells B a horse and verbally warrants him sound. A gives B a paper in these words; Bought of A a horse for Rs. 500." B may prove the verbal warranty.

(g)A hires lodgings of B. and gives a card on which it is written - "Rooms. Rs.200 a mother." A may prove a verbal agreement that these terms were to include partial board.

A hires lodgings of B for a year, and a regularly stamped agreement, drawn up by an attorney, is made between them. It is silent on the subject of board. A may not prove that board was included in the term verbally.

(h)A applies to B for a debt due to A by sending a receipt for the money, B keeps the receipt and does not send the money. In a suit for the amount A may prove this.

(i)A and B make a contract in writing to take effect upon the happening of a certain contingency. The writing is left with B, who sues A upon it. A may show the circumstances under which it was delivered.

93. Evidence of evidence to explain or amend ambiguous document.

- When the language used in a document is on its face, ambiguous or defective, evidence may not be given of facts which would show its meaning or supply its defects.Illustrations

(a)A agrees, in writing, to sell a horse to B for Rs. 1,000 or Rs. 1,500. Evidence cannot be given to show which price was to be given.

(b)A deed contains, blanks Evidence cannot be given of facts which would show how they were meant to be filled.

94. Exclusion of evidence against application of document to existing facts.

- When language used in a document is plain in itself, and when it applies accurately to existing facts, evidence may not be given to show that it was not meant to apply to such facts.IllustrationA sells to B, by deed, "my estate at Rampur containing 100 Bighas."A has an estate at Rampur containing 100 Bighas. Evidence may not be given of the fact that the estate meant to be sold was one situated at a different place and of a different place and a different size.

95. Evidence as to document unmeaning in reference to existing facts.

- When language used in a document is plain in its If, but is unmeaning in reference to existing facts, evidence may be given to show that it was used in a peculiar sense.IllustrationsA sells to B, by deed, "my house in Calcutta".A has no house in Calcutta, but it appears that he had a house at Howrah, of which B had been in possession since the execution of the deed.These facts may be proved to show that the deed related to the house at Howrah.

96. Evidence as to application of language which can apply to one only of several persons.

- When the facts are such that the language used, might have been meant to apply to any one and could not have been meant to apply to more than one, of several persons or things, evidence may be given of facts which show of those persons or things it was intended to apply to.

(a)A agrees, to sell to B, for Rs. 1,000 "my white horse." A has two white horses. Evidence may be given off acts which show which of them was meant.

(b)A agrees to accompany B to Rampur. Evidence may be given of facts showing whether Rampur in Rajouri Tehsil or Rampur in Baramulla Tehsil was meant.

97. Evidence as to application of language to one of two sets of facts, to neither of which the whole correctly applies.

- When the language used applies partly to one set of existing facts, and partly to another set of existing facts, but the whole of it does not apply correctly to either, evidence may be given to show to which of the two it was meant to apply.IllustrationsA agrees to sells to B, "my land at X in the occupation of Y". A has land at X. but not in the occupation of Y. and he has land in the occupation of Y. but it is not at X. Evidence may be given off acts showing which he meant to sell.

98. Evidence as at meaning of illegible characters, etc.

- Evidence may be given to show the meaning of illegible or not commonly intelligible characters, of foreign, obsolete, technical, local and provincial expressions, of abbreviations and words used in a peculiar sense.IllustrationsA, a sculptor agrees to sell to B, "all my mods". Alias both models and modelling tools. Evidence may be given to show which he meant to sell.

99. Who may give evidence of agreement varying terms of Document.

- Persons who are not parties to a document, or their representatives in interest, may give evidence of any facts tending to show a contemporaneous agreement varying the terms of the document.IllustrationA and B make a contract in writing that B shall sell A certain cotton, to be paid for on delivery. At the same time they make an oral agreement that three months credit shall be given to A, this could not be shown as between A and B but it night be shown by C, if it affected his interests.

100.

Omitted.

Part III – Production and Effect of Evidence

Chapter VII
Of the Burden of Proof

101. Burden of proof.

- Whoever desires any Court to give judgment as to any legal right or liability dependent on the existence of facts which he asserts, must prove that those facts exist.When a person is bound to prove the existence of any fact, it is said that the burden of proof lies on that person.Illustrations

(a)A desires a Court to give judgment that B shall be punished for a crime which A says B has committed.

A must prove that B has committed the crime.

(b)A desires a Court to give judgment that he is entitled to contain land in the possession of B by reason off acts which he asserts, and which B. denies to be true.

A must prove the existence of these facts.

102. On whom burden of proof lies.

- The burden of proof in a suit or proceeding lies on that person who would fail if no evidence at all were given on either side.Illustrations

(a)A sues B for land of which B is in possession, and which, as A asserts, was left to Aby the will of C, B's father.

If no evidence were given on either side, B would be entitled to retain his possession.Therefore the burden of proof is on A.

(b)A sues B for money due on a bond.

The execution of the bond is admitted, but B says that it was obtained by fraud, which a denies.If no evidence were given on cither side, A would succeed as the bond is not disputed and the fraud is not proved.Therefore the burden of proof is on B.

103. Burden of proof as to particular fact.

- The burden of proof as to any particular fact lies on that person who wishes the Court to believe in its existence, unless it is provided by any law that the proof of that fact shall lie on any particular person.IllustrationA prosecutes B for theft, and wishes the Court to believe that B admitted the theft to C. A must prove the admission.B wishes the Court to believe that at the time in question, he was elsewhere. He must prove it.

104. Burden of proving fact to be proved to make evidence admissible.

- The burden of proving any fact necessary to be proved in order to enable any person to give evidence of any other fact is on the person who wishes to give such evidence.Illustration

(a)A wishes to prove a dying declaration by B. A. must prove B's death.

(b)A wishes to prove, by secondary evidence, the contents of a lost document.

A must prove, that the document has been lost.

105. Burden of proving that case of accused comes within exceptions.

- When a person is accused of any offence, the burden of proving the existence of circumstances bringing the case within any of the General Exceptions in the Ranbir Penal code, or within any special exception or proviso contained in any other part of the same Court, or in any law defining the offence, is upon him, and the Court shall presume the absence of such circumstances.Illustration

(a)A, accused of murder, alleges that, by reason of unsoundness of mind, he did not know the nature of the act.

The burden of proof is on A.

(b)A, accused of murder, alleges that, by grave and sudden, provocation, he was deprived of the power of self control.

The burden of proof is on A.

(c)Section 325 of the Ranbir Penal Code provides that whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes grievous hurt, shall be subject to certain punishments.

A is charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt under section 325.The burden of proving the circumstances bringing the case under section 334 lies on A.

106. Burden of proving fact especially with on knowledge.

- When any fact is especially within the knowledge of any person, the burden of proving that fact is upon himIllustration

(a)When a person does an act with some intention other than that which the character and circumstances of the act suggest, the burden, of proving that intention is upon him.

(b)A is charged with travelling on a railway without a ticket.

107. Burden of proving death of person Known to have been alive within thirty years.

- When the question is whether a man is alive or dead, and it is shown that he was alive within thirty years, the burden of proving that he is dead is on the person who affirms it.

108. Burden of proving that person is alive who has not been heard of for seven years.

- Provided that when the question is whether a man alive or dead, and it is proved that he has not been heard of for seven years by those w ho would naturally have heard of him if he had been alive, the burden of proving that he is alive is shifted to the person who affirms it.

109. Burden of proof as to relationship in the cases of partners, landlord and tenant, principal and agent.

- When the question is whether persons are partners, landlord and tenant, or principal and agent, and it has been shown that they have been acting as such, the burden of proving that they do not stand, or have ceased to stand, to each other in those relationships respectively, is on the person who affirms it.

110. Burden of proof as to ownership.

- When the question is whether any person is owner of anything of which he is shown to be in possession, the burden of proving that he is not the owner is on the person who affirms that he is not the owner.

111. Proof of good faith in transactions where one party is in relation of active confidence.

- Where there is a question as to the good faith of a transaction between parties, one of whom stands to the other in a position of active confidence, the burden of proving the good faith of the transaction is on the party w ho is in a position of active confidence.Illustrations

(a)The good faith of a sale by a client to an attorney is in question in a suit brought by the client. The burden of proving the good faith of the transaction is on the attorney.

(b)The good faith of a sale by a son just come of age to a father is in question in a suit brought by the son. The burden of proving the good faith of the transaction is on the father.

112. Birth during marriage conclusive proof of legitimacy.

- The fact that any person was born during the continuance of a valid marriage between his mother and any man, or within two hundred and eighty days after its dissolution, the mother remaining unmarried, shall be conclusive proof that he is the legitimate son of that man, unless it can be shown that the parties to the marriage had no access to each other at any time when he could have been begotten.

113. Proof of cession of territory.

- A notification in the Gazette of India that any portion of British territory has been ceded to any Native State, Prince or Ruler, shall be conclusive proof that a valid cession of such territory took place at the date mentioned in such notification

114. Court may presume existence of certain facts.

- The Court may presume the existence of any fact which it thinks likely to have happened, regard being had to the common course of natural events, human conduct and public and private business, in their relation to the facts of the particular case.IllustrationsThe Court may presume

(a)that a man who is in possession of stolen goods soon after the theft is either the thief or has received the goods knowing them to be stolen, unless he can account for his possession,;

(b)that an accomplice is unworthy of credit, unless he is corroborated in material particulars ;

(c)that a bill of exchange, accepted or endorsed, was accepted or endorsed for good consideration ;

(d)that a thing or state of things which has been shown to be in existence within a period shorter than that within which such things or state of things usually cease to exist, is still in existence ;

(e)that judicial and official acts have been regularly performed;

(f)that the common course of business has been followed in particular cases;

(g)that evidence which could be and is not produced would, if produced, be unfavourable to the person who withholds it;

(h)that, if a man refuses to answer a question which he not compelled, to answer by law the answer if given, would be unfavourable to him;

(i)that when a document cresting an obligation is in the hands of the obligor, the obligation has been discharged.

But the Court shall also have regard to such facts as the following, in considering whether such maxims do or do not apply to the particular case before it:-as to Illustration (a) - a shopkeeper has in his till a marked rupee soon after it was stolen, and cannot account for its possession specifically, but is continually receiving rupees in the course of his business;as to Illustration (b) - A, a person of the highest character, is tried for causing a man's death by an act of negligence in arranging certain machinery'. B a person of equally good character, who also took part in the arrangement, describes precisely what was done., and admits and explains the common carelessness of a and himself:as to Illustration (c)- a crime is committed by several persons. A, B and C, Three of the criminals, are captured on the spot and kept apart from each other. Each gives an account of the crime implicating D, and the accounts corroborate each other in such a manner as to render previous concert highly improbable:as to Illustration (d)- A, the drawer of a bill of exchange, was a man of business. B the acceptor, was a young and ignorant person, completely under A's influence:as to Illustration (e)- it is proved that a river ran in a certain courses five years ago, but it is known that there have been floods since that, time which might change its course :as to Illustration (f)- a judicial act, the regularity of which is in question, was performed under exceptional circumstances :as to Illustration (g)- the question is, whether a letter was received. It is shown to have been posted, but the usual course of the post was interrupted by disturbances :as to Illustration (h)- a man refuses to produce which would bear on a contract of small importance on which he is sued, but which might also injure the feelings and reputation of his family:as to Illustration (i)- a man refuses to answer a question which he is not compelled by law to answer, but the answer to it might cause loss to him in matters unconnected with the matter in relation to which it is asked :as to Illustration (j)- a bond is in possession of the obligor, but the circumstances of the case are such that he may have stolen it.

114A. [ Injury caused to a person during police custody. [Section 114-A inserted by Act XII of 1985, Section 2.]

- Where in a prosecution for an offence constituted by an act alleged to have caused bodily in journey to a person there is evidence that such injury was caused c iring a period when such person was in the custody of the Police, the Court may presume that such injury was caused by the Police Officer having custody of such person during that period.]

114B. [ Presumption as to absence of consent in certain prosecution for rape. [Substituted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]

- In a prosecution for rape under clause (a), clause (b), clause (c), clause (d), clause (e), clause (f), clause (g), clause (h), clause (i), clause (j), clause (k), clause (l), clause (m) and clause (n) of sub-section (2) of section 376 of the Ranbir Penal Code, where sexual intercourse by the accused is proved and the question is whether it was without the consent of the woman alleged to have been raped and such other woman states in that person's evidence before the Court that such complainant did not consent, the Court shall presume that such victim did not consent.Explanation. - In this section "sexual intercourse" shall mean any of the acts mentioned in clauses (a) to (d) of section 375 of the Ranbir Penal Code.]

114C. Presumption as to abetment of by a married woman.

- When the question is whether the commission of suicide by a women had been abetted by the husband or any relative of her husband and it is shown that she had committed suicide suicide within a period of seven years from the date of her marriage and that her husband or such relative of her husband had subjected her to cruelty, the Court may presume, having regard to all the other circumstances of the case, that such suicide had been abetted by her husband or by such relative of her husband.Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, "Cruelty" shall have same meaning as in section 498-A of the State Ranbir Penal Code. Samvat, 1989.]

114CC. [ Presumption as to dowry death. [Inserted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]

- When the question is whether a person has committed the dowry death of a woman and it is shown that soon before her death such woman has been subjected by such person to cruelty or harassment for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, the court shall presume that such person had caused the dowry death.Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, "dowry death" shall have the same meaning as in section 304B of the Ranbir Penal Code.]

Chapter VIII
Estoppel

115. Estoppel.

- When one person has, by his declaration, Act or commission, intentionally caused or permitted another person to believe a thing to be true and to act upon such belief, neither he nor his representative shall be allowed, in any suit or proceeding between himself and such person or his representative, to deny the truth of that thing.IllustrationA intentionally and falsely leads B to believe that certain land belongs to A and thereby induces B to buy and pay for it.The land afterwards becomes the property of A, and A, seeks to set aside the sale on the ground that, at the time of the sale. He must not be allowed to prove his want of title.

116. Estoppel of tenant and of licence of person in possession.

- No tenant of immovable property, or person claiming through such tenant, shall during the continuance of the tenancy, be permitted to deny that the landlord of such tenant had, at the beginning of the tenancy, a title to such immovable property ; and no person who came upon any immovable property by the licence of the person in possession thereof shall be permitted to deny that such person had a title to such possession at the time when such licence was given.

117. Estoppel of acceptor of bill of exchange, bailee or licensee.

- No acceptor of a bill of exchange shall be permitted to deny that the drawer had authority to draw such bill or to endorse it; nor shall any bailee or licensee be permitted to deny that his bailor or licensor had, at the time when the bailment or licence commenced, authority to make such bailment or grant such licence.Explanation 1. - The acceptor of a bill of exchange may deny that the bill was really drawn by the person by whom it purports to have been drawn.Explanation 2. - If a bailee delivers the goods bailed to a person other than the bailor, he in any prove that such person had a right to them as against the bailor.

Chapter IX
Of Witness

118. Who may testify.

- All persons shall be competent to testify unless the Court considers that they are prevented from understanding the questions put to them, or from giving rational answers to those questions, by tender years, extreme old age, disease, whether of body or mind, or any other cause of the same kind.Explanation. - A lunatic is not incompetent to testify, unless he is prevented by his lunacy from understanding the questions put to him and giving rational answers to them.

119. [ Witness unable to communicate verbally. [Substituted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.]

- A witness who is unable to speak may give his evidence in any other manner in which he can make it intelligible, as by writing or by sings; but such writing must be written and the signs made in open Court, evidence so given shall be deemed to be oral evidence:Provided that if the witness is unable to communicate verbally, the Court shall take the assistance of a special educator or interpreter in recording the statement, and such statement shall be videographed.]

120. Parties to civil suit, and their wives or husband, Husband or wife of person under criminal trial.

- In all civil proceedings the parties to the suit, the husband or wife of any party to the suit, shall be competent witnesses. In criminal proceedings against any person, the husband or wife of such person, respectively, shall be a competent witness.

121. Judges and Magistrates.

- No Judge or Magistrate shall, except upon the special order of some Court to which he is subordinate, be compelled to answer any questions as to his own conduct in Court as such Judge or Magistrate, or as to anything which came to his knowledge in Court as such Judge or Magistrate; but he may be examined as to other matters which occurred in his presence whilst he was so acting.Illustrations

(a)A, on his trial before the Court of Session, says that a deposition was improperly taken by B, the Magistrate. B cannot be compelled to answer questions as to this, except upon the special order of a superior Court.

(b)A is accused before the Court of Session of having given false evidence before B, a Magistrate. B cannot be asked what A said, except upon the special order of the superior Court.

(c)A is accused before the Court of Session of attempting to murder a police officer whilst on his trial before B, a Sessions Judge. B may be examined as what occurred.

122. Communications during marriage.

- No person who is or has been married shall be compelled to disclose any communication made to him during marriage by any person to whom he is or has been married; nor shall he be permitted to disclose any such communication, unless the person who made it, or his representative in interest, consents, except in suits between married persons, or proceedings in which one married person is prosecuted for any crime committed against the other.

123. Evidence as to affairs of State.

- No one shall be permitted to gie any evidence derived from unpublished official records relating to any affairs State, except with the permission of the officer at the head of the department concerned, who shall give or withhold such permission as he thinks fit.

124. Official communications.

- No public officer shall be compelled to disclose communications made to him in official confidence, when he considers that the public interests would suffer by the disclosure.

125. Information as to commission of offences.

- No Magistrate or Police Officer shall be compelled to say whence he got any information as to the commission of any offence, and no Revenue Officer shall be any offence against the public revenue.Explanation. - "Revenue Officer" in this section means any officer employed in or about the business of any branch of the public revenue.

126. Professional communications.

- No barrister, attorney, pleader or vakil shall at any time be permitted, unless with his client's express consent, to disclose any communication made to him in the course and for the purpose of his employment as such barrister, pleader, attorney, or vakil, by or on behalf of his client, or to state the contents or condition of any document with which he has become acquainted in the course and for the purpose of his professional employment, or to disclose any advice given by him to his client in the course and for the purpose of such employment.provided that nothing in this section shall protect from disclosure-

(1)any such communication made in furtherance of any illegal purpose;

(2)any fact observed by any barrister, pleader, attorney and vakil, in the course of his employment as such, showing that any crime or fraud has been committed since the commencement of his employment.It is immaterial whether whether the attention such barrister, pleader, attorney or vakil was or was not directed to such fact by or on half of his client.Explanation. - The obligation stated in this continues after the employment has ceased.Illustrations

(a)A, a client say as to b, an attorney - "I have committed forgery and I wish you to defined me".

As the defence of a known to be is not a criminal purpose, this communication is protected from disclosure

(b)A, a client, says to b, an attorney - "I wish to obtain possession of property by the use of a forged deed on which I request you to sue."

The communication, being made in furtherance of a criminal purpose, is not protected from disclosure

(c)A, being charged with embezzlement, retains B, an attorney, to defend him. In the course of the proceeding, B observes that an entry has been made in A's account book, charging A with the sum said to have been embezzled, which entry was not in the book at the commencement of his employment.

127. Section 126 to apply to interpreters, etc.

- the provisions of section 126 shall apply to interpreters, and the clerks or servants of barristers, pleaders, attorneys and vakils.

128. Privilege not waived by volunteering evidence.

- If any party to a suit given evidence therein at his own instance or otherwise, he shall not be deemed to have consented thereby to such disclosure as is mentioned in section 126; and, if any party to a suit or proceeding calls any such barrister, pleader, attorney or vakil as a witness, he shall be deemed to have consented to such disclosure only of he questions such barrister, attorney or vakil on matters which but for such question.

129. Confidential communications with legal advisers.

- No one shall be compelled to disclose to the Court any confidential communication which has taken place between him and his legal professional adviser, unless he offers himself as a witness, in which case he may be compelled to disclose any such communication as may appear to the Court necessary to be known in order to explain any evidence which he has given, but no others.

130. Production of title-deeds of witness not a party.

- no witness who is not a party to a suit shall be compelled to produce his title-deeds to any property or any document in virtue of which he helds any property as pledgee or mortgage or any document production of which might tend to criminate him, unless he has agreed in writing to produce them with the person seeking the production of such deeds or some person through whom he claims.

131. [ Production of documents or electronic records which another person, having possession, could refuse to produce. [Substituted by Act V of 2001, Section 34.]

- No one shall be compelled to produce documents in his possession or electronic records under his control, which any other person would be entitled to refuse to produce if they were in his possession or control, unless such last mentioned person consents to their production.]

132. Witness not excused from answering on ground that answer will criminate.

- A witness shall not be excused from answering any question as to any matter relevant to the matter in issue in any suit or in any civil or criminal proceeding, upon the ground that the answer to such question will criminate, or may tend directly or indirectly to criminate, such witness, or that it will expose, or tend directly or indirectly to expose, such witness to a penalty or forfeiture of any kind :Provided that no such answer, which a witness shall be compelled to give, shall subject him to any arrest or prosecution, or be proved against him in any criminal proceeding, except a prosecution forgiving false evidence by such answer.

133. Accomplice.

- An accomplice shall be a competent witness against an accused person ; and a conviction is not illegal merely because it proceeds upon the uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice.

134. Number of witnesses.

- No particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.

Chapter X
Of the Examination of Witnesses

135. Order of production and examination of witnesses.

- The order in which witnesses are produced and examined shall be regulated by the law and practice for the time being relating to civil and criminal procedure respectively, and, in the absence of any such law, by the discretion of the Court.

136. Judge to decide as to admissibility of evidence.

- When either party proposes to give evidence of any fact, the Judge may ask the party proposing to give the evidence in what manner the alleged fact, if proved, would or relevant; and the Judge shall admit the evidence if he thinks that the fact, if proved, would be relevant and not otherwise.If the fact proposed to be proved is one of which evidence is admissible only upon proof of some other fact, such last mentioned fact must be proved before evidence is given of the fact first mentioned, unless the party undertakes to give proof of such fact, and the Court is satisfied with such undertaking.If the relevancy of one alleged fact depends upon another alleged fact being first proved, the Judge may, in his discretion, either permit evidence of the first fact to be given before the second fact is proved, or require evidence to be given of the second act before evidence is given of the first fact.Illustrations

(a)It is proposed to prove a statement about a relevant fact by a person alleged to be dead, which statement is relevant under section 32.

The fact that the person is dead must be proved by the person proposing to prove the statement, before evidence is given of the statement.

(b)It is proposed to prove, by a copy, the contents of a document said to be lost.

The fact that the original is lost must be proved by the person proposing to produce the copy before the copy is produced.

(c)A is accused of receiving stolen property knowing it to have been stolen.

It is proposed to prove that he denied the possession of the property.The relevancy of the denial depends on the identity of the property.The Court may, in its discretion, either require the property to be identified before the denial of the possession is proved, or permit the denial of possession to be proved before the property is identified.

(d)It is proposed to prove a fact (A) which is said to have been the cause or effect of a fact in issue. There are several intermediate facts (B, C and D) which must be shown to exist before the fact (A) can be regarded as the cause or effect of the fact in issue. The Court may either permit A to be proved before B, C and D is proved, or may require proof of B, C and D Before permitting proof of A.

137. Explanation-in-chief.

- The examination of a witness by the party who calls him shall be called his examination-in-chief.Cross-examination. - The examination of a witness by the adverse party shall be called his cross-examination.Re-examination. - the examination of witness, subsequent to the cross-examination by the party who called him, shall be called his reexamination.

138. Order of examination.

- Witnesses shall be first examined-party cashing him so desires re-examined.The examination and cross-examination must relate to relevant facts but the cross-examination need not be confined to the facts to which the witness testified on his examination-in-chief.Direction of re-examination. - The re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred to in cross-examination and if new matter is, by permission of the Court, introduced in re-examination, the adverse party may further cross-examine upon that matter

139. Cross-examination of person called to produce a document.

- A person summoned to produce document does not become a witness by the mere fact that the produces it and cannot be cross-examined unless and until he is called as witness.

140. Witness to character.

- Witnesses to character may be cross-examined and re-examined.

141. Leading questions.

- Any questions suggesting the answer which the person putting it wishes or expects to receive is called a leading question.

142. When they must not be asked.

- Leading questions must not, if objected to by the adverse party, be asked in an examination-in-chief, or in a reexamined, except with the permission of the Court.The Court shall permit leading questions as to matters which are introductory or undisputed, or which have, in its opinion, been already sufficiently proved.

143. When they may be asked.

- Leading questions may be asked in cross-examination.

144. Evidence as to matters in writing.

- Any wetness may be asked, whilst under examination, whether any contract, grant or other disposition of property, as to which is giving evidence, was not contained in a document, and if he says that it was, or if he is about to make any statement as to the contents of any document, which, in the opinion of the Court, ought to be produced, the adverse party may objects to such evidence being given , until such document is produced, or until facts have been proved which entitled the party who called the witness to give secondary evidence of it.Explanation. - A Witness may give oral evidence of statements made by other persons about the contents of documents if such statement are in themselves relevant facts.IllustrationThe question is whether a assaulted BC Deposes that he heard a say to D - "B wrote a letter accusing me of theft, and I will be revenged on him". This statement is relevant, as showing As motive the assault, and evidence may be given of it, though no other evidence is given about the letter.

145. Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing.

- A witness may be cross-examinated as to previous statement made by him in writing or reduced into writing and relevant to matters in question, without such writing being shown to him, or being proved: but, if it is intend to contradict him by the writing, his attention must, before the writing can be proved, be called to those parts of it which arc to be for the purpose of contradicting him.

146. Questions lawful in cross-examination.

- When a witness in cross-examined, he may, in addition to the questions herein-before referred to, be asked any questions which tend -

(1)to test his veracity,

(2)to discover who he is and what is his position in life, or

(3)to shake his credit, by injuring his character, although the answer to such questions might tend directly or indirectly to criminate him or might expose or tend directly or indirectly to expose him to a penalty or forfeiture.[Provided that in a prosecution for an offence under section 376, section [section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376DA, section 36DB] [Inserted by Jammu and Kashmir Act No. 11 of 2014, dated 22.3.2014.] or section 376E of the Ranbir Penal Code or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is an issue, it shall not be permissible to adduce evidence or to put questions in the cross-examination of the victim as to the general immoral character, or previous sexual experience, of such victim with any person for proving such consent or the quality of consent.]

147. When witness to be compelled to answer.

- If any such question relates to a matter relevant to the suit or proceeding the provisions of section 132 shall apply thereto.

148. Court to decide when question shall be asked and when witness compelled to answer.

- If any such question relates to a matter not relevant to the suit or proceeding, except in so far as it affects the credit of the witness by injuring his character, the Court shall decide whether or not the witness shall be compelled to answer it, and may, if it thinks fit, warm the witness that he is not obliged to answer it. In exercise its discretion, the Court shall have regard to the following considerations;

(1)Such questions arc proper if they are of such a nature that the truth the imputation conveyed by them would seriously affect the opinion of the Court as to the credibility of the witness on the matter to which he testifies;

(2)such questions are improper if the imputation which they convey relates to matters so remote in time, or of such a character, that the truth of the imputation would not affect, or would affect in a slight degree, the opinion of the Court as to the credibility of the witness on the matter to which he testifies;

(3)such questions are improper if there is a great disproportion between the importance of the imputation made against the witness character and the importance of his evidence;

(4)the Court may, if sees fit, draw, from the witness's refusal to answer, the inference that the answer if given would be-unfavourable.

149. Question not to be asked without reasonable grounds.

- No such question as is referred to on section 148 ought to be asked, unless the person asking it has reasonable grounds for thinking the imputation which it conveys is well-founded.Illustrations

(a)A barrister is instructed by an attorney or vakil that an important witness is a dakait. This is a reasonable ground for asking the witness whether he is a dakait.

(b)A pleader is informed by a person in court that an important witness is a dakait. The informant on being questioned by the pleader gives satisfactory reason for his statement. This is a reasonable for asking the witness whether he is dakait.

(c)A witness, of whom nothing whatever is known, is asked at random whether he is a dakait. There are here no reasonable grounds for the question.

(d)A witness of whom nothing whatever is known, being questioned as to his mode of life and means of living, gives unsatisfactory answers. This may be a reasonable ground for asking him if he is a dakait.

150. Procedure of Court in case of question being asked without reasonable grounds.

- If the Court is of opinion that any such question was asked without reasonable grounds.it may, it may, was asked by any barrister, pleader or vakil, report the circumstances of the case to the High Court.

151. Indecent and scandalous questions.

- The Court may forbid any questions or inquiries which it regards as indecent or scandalous, although such questions or inquiries may have some bearing on the questions before the Court, unless they relate to facts in issue, or to matters necessary to be known in order to determine whether or not the facts in issue existed.

152. Questions intoned to insult or annoy.

- The Court shall forbid any question which appears to be intended to insult or annoy, or which, though proper in itself appears to the Court needlessly offensive in form.

153. Exclusion of evidence to contradict answers to questions testing veracity.

- when a witness has been asked and has answered any question which is relevant to the inquiry only is so far as it tends to shake his credit by injuring his character, no evidence shall be given to contradict him ; but, if, he answers falsely, he may afterwards be charged with giving false evidence.Exception 1. - If a witness is asked whether he has been previously convicted of any crime and denies it evidence may be given of his previous, conviction.Exception 2. - If a witness is asked any question tending to impeach his impartiality and answers it by denying the facts suggested, he may be contradicted.

(a)A claim against an underwriter is resisted on the ground of fraud.

The claimant its asked whether, in a former transaction, he had not made a fraudulent claim. He denies it.Evidence is offered to show that he did make such a claim.The evidence is inadmissible.

(b)A witness is asked whether he was dismissed from a situation for dishonesty. He denies it.

Evidence is referred to show that he was dismissed for dishonesty.The evidence is not admissible.

(c)A affirms that on a certain day he saw b at Jammu A is asked whether he himself was not that day at Srinagar. He denies it.

Evidence is offered to show that a was on that day at Srinagar.The evidence is admissible, not as contracting a on a fact which affects his credit, but as contradicting the alleged fact that b was seen on the day in question in Jammu.In each these case the witness might, if his dentinal was false, be charged with giving false evidence.

(d)A is asked whether his family has not had a blood-feud with the family of b against whom he gives evidence.

he denies it, He may be contradicted on the ground that the question tends to impeach his impartiality.

154. Question by party to his own witness.

- [(1) The Court may, in its discretion, permit the person who calls a witness to put any question to him which might be put in cross-examination by the adverse pity.

(2)Nothing in this section shall disentitle the person so permitted under sub-section (1), to rely on any part of the evidence of such witness.] [Section 154 remembered as sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) Inserted by Act IX of 2007, Section 11.]

155. Impeaching credit of witness.

- The credit of a witness may be impeached in the following ways by the adverse party, or, with the consent of the Court, by the party who calls him :-

(1)by the evidence of persons who testify they, from their knowledge of the witness believe to be unworthy of credit;

(2)by proof that the witness has been bribed, or has accepted the offer of a bribe, or has received any other corrupt inducement to give his evidence;

(3)proof of former statement inconsistent with any part of his evidence which is liable to be contradicted;

(4)when a man is prosecuted for rape or an attempt to ravish, it may be shown that the prosecutrix was of generally immoral character.Explanation. - A witness declaring another witness to be unworthy of credit may not, upon his examination in-chief, give reasons for his behalf, but he may be asked his reasons in cross-examination, and the answers afterwards be charged with giving false evidence.Illustrations

(a)A sues B for the price of goods sold and delivered to B.C says that A delivered the goods to B.

Evidence is offered to show that, on a previous occasion, he said that he had not delivered the goods to B.The evidence is admissible.

(b)A is indicted for the murder of B.

C says that B, when dying, declared that A had given B the wound of which he died.Evidence is offered to show that, on a previous occasion. C said that the wound not given by A or in his presence.The evidence is admissible.

156. Questions tending to corroborate evidence of relevant fact, admissible.

- When a witness whom it is intended to corroborate gives evidence of any relevant fact, he may be questioned as to any other circumstances which he observed at or near to the time or place are which such relevant occurred, if the Court is of opinion that such circumstances is proved, would corroborate the testimony of the witness as to the relevant fact which he testifies.IllustrationA accomplice, gives an account of a robbery in which he took part. He describes various incidents unconnected with the robbery which occurred on his way to and from the place where it was committed.Independent evidence of these facts may be given in order corroborate his evidence as to the robbery itself.

157. Former statements of witness may be proved to corroborate later testimony as to same fact.

- In order to corroborate the testimony of a witness, any former statement made by such witness relating to the same fact at or about the time when the fact took place, or before any authority legally competent to investigate the fact, may be proved.

158. What matters may be proved in connection with proved statement relevant under section 32 or 33.

- Whenever any statement in order under section 32 or 33, is proved, all matters may be proved either in order to contradict to corroborate it, or in order to impeach or confirm the credit if that person had been cashed as a witness and had denied upon cross-examination the truth of the matters suggested.

159. Refreshing memory.

- A witness may, while under examination, refresh memory by referring to any writing made by him self at the time of the transaction concerning which he is questioned, or so soon afterwards that the Court considers it likely that the transaction was at the time fresh in his in his money.The witness may also refer to any such writing made by any other person, and read by the witness within the time aforesaid, if when he read he knew it to be correct.When witness may use copy of document to refresh money. - Whenever a witness may refresh his memory by reference to any document,he may, with the permission of the Court, refer to a copy of such document :provided the Court be satisfied that there is sufficient for the non-production of the original.An expert may refresh his memory by reference to professional treatises.

160. Testimony to facts stated in document mentioned in section 159.

- A witness may also testify to facts mentioned in any such document as is mentioned in section 159, although he has no specific recollection of the facts themselves, if he is sure that the facts were correctly recorded in the document.IllustrationA book-keeper testify to facts recorded by him in books regularly kept in the course of business, if the knows that the books were correctly kept, although lie has forgotten the particular transaction entered.

161. Right of adverse party as to writing used to refresh memory.

- Any writing referred to under the provisions of the two last preceding section must be produced ans shown to the adverse party if he require it; such party may, if if he places, cross-examination the witness thereupon.

162. Production of documents.

- A witness summoned to produce a document shall, if it is in his possession or power, bring it to Court, notwithstanding any objection which there may be to its production or its admissibility. The validity of any such objection shall be decided on by the Court.The Court, if it sees fit. may inspect the document, unless it refers to matters of state, or take other evidence to enable it to determine on its admissibilityTranslation of documents. - If for such a purpose it is necessary to cause any document to be translated, the Court may, if it thinks fit, direct the contents secret, unless the document is to be given in evidence and, if the interpreter disobeys such direction, lie shall be held to have committed an offence under section 166 of the Ranbir Penal Code.

163. Giving, as evidence, of document called for and produced on notice.

- When a property calls for a document which lie has given the other party notice to produce, and such document is produced and inspected by the party calling for its production, he is bound to give it as evidence if the party producing it requires him to do.

164. Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on notice.

- When a party refuses to produce a document which he has had notice to produce, he cannot afterwards use the document as evidence without the consent of the party or the order of the Court.IllustrationA sues B on an agreement and gives B notice to produce it. At the trial A calls the document and B refuses to produce it A gives secondary evidence of its contents. B seeks to produce the document itself to contradict the secondary evidence given by A, or in order to show that the agreement is not stamped. He cannot do so.

165. Judge's power to put questions or order production.

- The Judge may, in order to discover or to obtain proper proof of relevant fact, ask any question he pleases, in any form, at any time, of any witness, or of the parties about any fact relevant or irrelevant; and may order the production of any document or thing; and neither the parties nor their agent shall be entitled to make any objection to any such question or order, nor, without the leave of the Court, to cross-examine any witness upon any answer given in reply to any question:

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State of Jammu-Kashmir - Act