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45. It needs to refer herein that though Section 294 Cr.P.C provides for no formal proof of certain documents, but it cannot take the place of direct evidence of the doctor. It refers to only that document which can be needed in evidence and the wound certificate/ medical report/postmortem report cannot be read in evidence unless the doctor is examined or otherwise.

46. We, accordingly, hold that if a medical report/injury report/post-mortem report is tendered in evidence by a person who is not the author of the same, such evidence, though admissible, would not have any probative value, unless and until the same is proved by any other doctor, as indicated above, who is equipped with medical science and competent to answer the questions on the merits of such report, as the defence would be deprived of cross- examination with regard to the contents of the report.