Logo Icon

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023: Introduction And Features

Author : Yogricha

August 19, 2024

SHARE

Overview: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 represents a pivotal legislative update, set to replace the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

This new Act updates the framework for evidence admissibility and evaluation in India's judicial system, integrating modern technological developments such as the recognition of electronic and digital evidence. It is designed to meet current legal standards, tackling the complexities faced in today’s judicial scenarios.

Moreover, the Act aims to correct prevailing inconsistencies and establish more transparent guidelines for the admission of evidence. It also strengthens safeguards against injustices during custody and optimizes judicial procedures to promote both fairness and efficiency.

If you are a person of legal fraternity then it is important for you to understand Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA), and to help you with that we have made notes for you to read and understand the act in depth.

In this blog we will cover:

  • Introduction to Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
  • Timeline of Legislative Events for Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023
  • Major Changes in Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
  • Key Issues in Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and Analysis
  • Comparative table between the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA)

Introduction to  Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)

The Indian Evidence Act of 1872 (IEA) serves as the foundational framework for the admissibility of evidence in Indian judicial processes, applicable to both civil and criminal cases. Over the decades, amendments have been made to the IEA to keep pace with evolving legal practices and technological changes.

Notably, a 2000 amendment recognized electronic records as admissible secondary evidence, reflecting the increased dependency on digital data. Further amendments in 2013 revised aspects concerning consent in rape cases, notably shifting the burden of proof onto the accused to demonstrate that consent was given and affirming that the victim’s character and sexual history should not bear on the consent deliberation.

Read More: Answer writing for judiciary examinations

The Law Commission has periodically reviewed the IEA, proposing updates to address issues such as custodial violence, the validity of police confessions, and cross-examination protocols. These recommendations are geared towards enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the legislation.

In line with these efforts, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, intended to supersede the IEA, was presented in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2023. Following its introduction, the Standing Committee on Home Affairs has undertaken a thorough review of the Bill to ensure it meets contemporary legal standards.

Also read: Toppers Interview on How to Crack Judiciary

Key Recommendations and Their Incorporation Status:

Recommendation Incorporated?
Repeal sections on confessions to police officers No
Facts discovered through coercion should not be provable No
Presumption that police caused injuries in custody No
Requirement of certificate for electronic records No
Government privilege in evidence No
Cross-examination of previous statements (oral and written) No
Criminal liability for conspiracy No
Detailed provisions on admissible and inadmissible admissions No
Secondary evidence for documents No
Presumption of documents produced as record of evidence No
New provision for establishing credit of witness No

Check: Tips from MPCJ toppers

Recent Legal Developments: The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, three newly enacted laws set to take effect on July 1, 2024, aim to overhaul the longstanding frameworks of the IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. These changes include:

  • Extended Scope of Secondary Evidence: Slight expansion in the BSA to include broader provisions for electronic evidence.
  • Enhancements to Electronic Evidence Handling: Updates to better integrate digital documentation into legal processes.

Historical Overview of India’s Criminal Justice System:

  • Colonial Codification: Establishment of codified criminal laws during British rule, with significant statutes like the IPC coming into force in 1862 and the CrPC in 1974.
  • Legislative Revisions: Continuous updates reflecting the evolving legal landscape, notably the inclusion of electronic records in 2000 and adjustments to rape laws in 2013 focusing on consent.

Read Now: Note-making tips suggested by the judiciary exam toppers.

A Concise History of the Transformation from Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 (BSB) to Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)

The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 (BSB) was introduced to streamline and modernize the principles of evidence for fair trials, eventually leading to the repeal of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. This legislative journey began with the bill's introduction to the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2023, followed by detailed scrutiny by a Standing Committee.

Despite the initial draft being withdrawn on December 12, 2023, it was promptly replaced by a more refined version, the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023. This revised bill moved swiftly through the legislative process, receiving approval from both houses of Parliament and culminating in presidential assent on December 25, 2023, thereby becoming the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).

Timeline of Legislative Events for Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023

Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 (BSB)

  • Introduced in Lok Sabha: August 11, 2023
  • Referred to Standing Committee: August 11, 2023
  • Standing Committee Report: November 10, 2023
  • Withdrawn: December 12, 2023

Know: When to begin Judiciary Exam Preparation

Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023

  • Introduced in Lok Sabha: December 12, 2023
  • Passed in Lok Sabha: December 20, 2023
  • Passed in Rajya Sabha: December 21, 2023
  • Presidential Assent: December 25, 2023

Details of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

  • Act No. 47 of 2023
  • Enactment Date: December 25, 2023
  • Enforcement Date: July 1, 2024
  • Repealed Act: Indian Evidence Act, 1872

Structure of the Act:

  • Total Sections: 170, divided into four parts and twelve chapters, covering preliminary aspects, relevancy of facts, proof mechanisms, and the production and effect of evidence.

Key Amendments Introduced:

  • Section Revisions: Updates and expansions to existing sections to better meet contemporary legal needs.
  • New Inclusions and Deletions: Introduction of new sections and deletion of outdated ones, reflecting a comprehensive overhaul tailored to modern judicial requirements.

2023 Legislative Reforms: The Parliamentary session in December 2023 marked a significant shift with the passage of pivotal bills aimed at modernizing and improving the efficiency and applicability of criminal justice laws in India.

Detailed Provisions of BSA, 2023:

  • Admissibility of Evidence: Maintains traditional classifications of admissible evidence, distinguishing between 'facts in issue' and 'relevant facts'.
  • Documentary and Oral Evidence: Emphasizes the inclusion of electronic records as documents, acknowledging the modern digital environment.
  • Police Confessions and Discoveries: Stipulates conditions under which confessions and discoveries in police custody are considered admissible.
  • Joint Trials and Electronic Testimony: Facilitates joint trials and permits electronic forms of testimony to adapt to contemporary needs.

Read aboutMP Civil Judge Examination Preparation

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Handling of Electronic Records: Identifies potential issues with the tampering and authenticity of electronic records, suggesting stringent safeguards to prevent miscarriages of justice.
  • Admissibility Ambiguities: Calls for precise legal definitions and standards to govern the use of electronic evidence in courts.

Recommendations for Effective Implementation:

  • Safeguarding Digital Evidence: Advocates for strict protocols to manage and safeguard electronic evidence, referencing international standards and the proactive role of judicial bodies like the Karnataka High Court.
  • Legislative and Judicial Guidelines: Suggests comprehensive guidelines to ensure the integrity and admissibility of electronic evidence, aligning with global best practices.

Read About: All State Judicial Services Exam.

Overview Highlights

The Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 (BSB2) aims to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA). This new bill retains most of the provisions of the IEA, including those on confessions, relevancy of facts, and the burden of proof.

  • Types of Evidence: The IEA identifies two kinds of evidence - documentary and oral. Documentary evidence includes primary (original documents) and secondary (proof of the contents of the original). The BSB2 maintains this distinction and classifies electronic records as documents.
  • Electronic Records: Under the IEA, electronic records were categorized as secondary evidence. The BSB2 classifies electronic records as primary evidence and expands the definition to include information stored in semiconductor memory or communication devices such as smartphones and laptops.
  • Secondary Evidence: The BSB2 expands secondary evidence to include (i) oral and written admissions, and (ii) the testimony of a person skilled in the examination of documents.

Read Now: Note-making tips suggested by the judiciary exam toppers

Major Changes

Tampering of Electronic Records:

  • The Supreme Court has recognized the potential for tampering with electronic records. While the BSB2 provides for the admissibility of such records, it lacks safeguards to prevent tampering and contamination during the investigation process.

Authentication of Electronic Records:

  • Currently, electronic records must be authenticated by a certificate to be admissible. The BSB2 retains this provision but also classifies electronic evidence as documents, which may not require certification, creating a contradiction.

Information Discovered in Police Custody:

  • Under the IEA, facts discovered due to information received from an accused in police custody may be admissible. The BSB2 retains this provision. However, courts and committees have noted that such facts may be discovered through coercion, without adequate safeguards.

Recommendations Not Incorporated:

  • The Law Commission has recommended several changes, including the presumption that a police officer caused injuries if an accused was injured in custody. These recommendations have not been incorporated into the BSB2.

Also Read: How to write answers in Judiciary Mains

Highlights of the Bill

Context:

  • The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA) governs the admissibility of evidence in Indian courts, applicable to both civil and criminal proceedings. Over the years, the IEA has been amended to align with criminal reforms and technological advancements, such as the inclusion of electronic records as secondary evidence in 2000 and provisions related to consent in rape cases in 2013.

Key Features:

  • Admissible Evidence: Legal proceedings can only involve admissible evidence, classified as either ‘facts in issue’ or ‘relevant facts’. The BSB2 retains the IEA’s provisions for documentary and oral evidence, defining electronic records as documents.
  • Proved Fact: A fact is proven if the court believes it to exist based on the presented evidence or if its existence is highly probable.
  • Police Confessions: Confessions to a police officer are inadmissible unless recorded by a magistrate. Facts discovered from information received from an accused in custody may be admissible if they distinctly relate to the discovered fact.
  • Documentary Evidence: The BSB2 includes electronic records as documents and retains the classification of primary and secondary evidence.
  • Oral Evidence: The BSB2 permits oral evidence to be given electronically, allowing testimonies through electronic means.
  • Admissibility of Electronic Records: Electronic or digital records will have the same legal effect as paper records. The BSB2 expands the definition to include information stored in semiconductor memory or communication devices.
  • Joint Trials: In joint trials, a confession by one accused that affects others will be treated as a confession against all. The BSB2 clarifies this provision for cases where an accused has absconded or not responded to an arrest warrant.

Key Issues and Analysis

Admissibility of Electronic Records:

  • The BSB2 clarifies that electronic records from proper custody are primary evidence unless disputed, expanding to include semiconductor memory and communication devices.

Tampering of Electronic Records:

  • The Supreme Court recognized electronic records’ susceptibility to tampering. The BSB2 lacks adequate safeguards to ensure authenticity and integrity during investigations. Recommendations include secure handling and proper chain of custody for electronic records.

Challenges to Facts Discovered in Police Custody:

  • The IEA allows information from an accused in custody to be admissible if it leads to fact discovery. The BSB2 retains this provision despite concerns about coercion. The Law Commission recommended that facts discovered through coercion should not be provable, and the distinction between information obtained inside or outside custody should be removed.

Recommendations of Various Committees and Courts:

  • Table 1 outlines key recommendations from the Law Commission and other committees, highlighting areas where the BSB2 has not incorporated suggested changes, such as the treatment of police confessions and the presumption of injuries caused by police in custody.

Comparative table between the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA)

Here is the complete comparative table based on the correspondence between the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA) from the provided document:

BSA Section IEA Section Subject Summary of Comparison
1 1 Short Title, Application, and Commencement BSA excludes territorial extent provision that IEA had, which extended to the whole of India.
2 3 Interpretation Clause/Definitions BSA redefines words and expressions with individual clauses, excludes definition of "India".
2(1)(a) 3, para 1 "Court" No change.
2(1)(b) 4, para 3 "Conclusive Proof" Adds "means"; "Act" replaced with "Adhiniyam".
2(1)(c) 3, para 8 "Disproved" Phrase changed for clarity.
2(1)(d) 3, para 5 "Document" Includes electronic and digital records; expands definition.
2(1)(e) 3, para 6 "Evidence" Adds digital records and electronic statements.
2(1)(f) 3, para 2 "Fact" Removes outdated illustration and modernizes language.
2(1)(g) 3, para 4 "Facts in Issue" No change.
2(1)(h) 4, para 1 "May Presume" No change.
2(1)(i) 3, para 9 "Not Proved" No change.
2(1)(j) 3, para 7 "Proved" No change.
2(1)(k) 3, para 3 "Relevant" No change.
2(1)(l) 4, para 2 "Shall Presume" No change.
2(2) New Words and Expressions New addition to BSA, aligns definitions with other contemporary acts.
3 5 Evidence and Relevant Facts No change.
4 6 Relevancy of Facts in Same Transaction No change.
5 7 Occasion, Cause or Effect of Facts Adds "or relevant facts" to the title.
6 8 Motive, Preparation, Conduct Updates language and replaces outdated terms in illustrations.
7 9 Explain or Introduce Facts Minor textual updates; adds words for clarity.
8 10 Conspirator Statements Updates geographical references in illustrations.
9 11 Relevancy of Non-relevant Facts Updates city names in illustrations.
10 12 Determine Amount in Damages Reorders words in the title.
11 13 Right or Custom in Question No change.
12 14 State of Mind, Body Modernizes terms in illustrations.
13 15 Accidental or Intentional Act Updates currency terms in illustrations.
14 16 Course of Business No change.
15 17 Admission Defined No change.
16 18 Admission by Party or Agent Structural changes in presentation.
17 19 Admission by Others No change.
18 20 Express Admissions No change.
19 21 Proof of Admissions Updates currency terms in illustrations.
20 22 Oral Admissions of Documents No change.
21 23 Admissions in Civil Cases Replaces legal terms with "advocate".
22(1) 24 Inducement, Threat in Confessions Adds "coercion"; integrates sections as provisos.
23(1) & (2) 25 & 26 Confession to Police Officer Simplifies language and integrates sections.
24 30 Considered Confessions Adds new explanations for joint trials.
25 31 Admissions as Estoppel No change.
26 32 Relevant Statements by Unavailable Persons Updates language and removes outdated terms.
27 33 Relevancy for Proving Truth Minor textual adjustment.
28 34 Entries in Books of Account Removes reference to electronic forms from the title.
29 35 Public Record or Electronic Record No change.
30 36 Statements in Maps, Charts, Plans No change.
31 37 Public Nature Facts in Acts or Notifications Modernizes terms and removes colonial references.
32 38 Law Statements in Law Books Adds "electronic or digital form".
33 39 Conversation, Document, Electronic Record No change.
34 40 Previous Judgments No change.
35 41 Judgments in Probate Adds "Tribunal" and restructures text.
36 42 Judgments, Orders, Decrees No change.
37 43 Other Judgments No change.
38 44 Fraud or Collusion in Judgments No change.
39(1) 45 Experts' Opinions Expands scope to include any field.
39(2) 45A Examiner of Electronic Evidence Integrates section as a subsection.
40 46 Expert Opinions on Facts No change.
41(1) & (2) 47 & 47A Handwriting and Electronic Signature Adds "signature" and integrates as subsections.
42 48 Custom or Right Opinions No change.
43 49 Usages, Tenets Opinions Structures paragraphs as clauses.
44 50 Relationship Opinions No change.
45 51 Opinion Grounds No change.
46 52 Character in Civil Cases No change.
47 53 Character in Criminal Cases No change.
48 53A Character in Sexual Cases No change.
49 54 Character in Reply No change.
50 55 Character Affecting Damages No change.
51 56 Judicially Noticeable Facts No change.
52 57 Court's Judicial Notice Updates terms and adds international references.
53 58 Admitted Facts No change.
54 59 Oral Evidence Excludes "electronic records".
55 60 Direct Oral Evidence Updates language and structures paragraphs.
56 61 Document Contents Proof No change.
57 62 Primary Evidence Adds explanations.
58 63 Secondary Evidence Updates definitions and adds clauses.
59 64 Primary Document Proof No change.
60 65 Secondary Evidence Conditions Updates language and structures paragraphs.
61 New Electronic or Digital Record Adds provisions for admissibility and legal effects of electronic records.
62 65A Electronic Record Evidence No change.
63 65B Electronic Records Admissibility Expands definitions and adds detailed provisions for admissibility.
64 66 Notice to Produce Updates legal terms.
65 67 Handwriting Proof No change.
66 67A Electronic Signature Proof No change.
67 68 Document Execution Proof No change.
68 69 Attesting Witness Absence Proof Excludes reference to the United Kingdom.
69 70 Attested Document Admission No change.
70 71 Attesting Witness Denial Proof No change.
71 72 Non-attested Document Proof No change.
72 73 Signature, Writing Comparison Structures paragraphs and simplifies language.
73 73A Digital Signature Verification No change.
74(1) & (2) 74 & 75 Public and Private Documents Adjusts terms, removes colonial references, and adds "private" to the title.
75 76 Certified Public Documents No change.
76 77 Certified Copy Proof No change.
77 78 Official Document Proof Updates terms, removes colonial references, and restructures conditions.
78 79 Certified Copy Genuineness Simplifies language and restructures paragraphs.
79 80 Document Record Evidence Removes colonial references and adds explanations for custody.
80 81 Official Gazette Presumption Consolidates references to gazettes and adds custody explanation.
81 81A Electronic Gazette Presumption Adds a new explanation for electronic document custody.
82 83 Government Map Presumption No change.
83 84 Law Collection Presumption No change.
84 85 Power-of-attorney Presumption No change.
85 85A Electronic Agreement Presumption Adds "digital" to the provisions.
86 85B Electronic Record Presumption No change.
87 85C Electronic Signature Certificate Presumption No change.
88 86 Foreign Judicial Record Presumption Updates geographic references.
89 87 Book, Map Chart Presumption No change.
90 88A Electronic Message Presumption Excludes previous explanation.
91 89 Document Execution Presumption No change.
92 90 Old Document Presumption Adds a new explanation similar to section 80 for old documents.
93 90A Old Electronic Record Presumption Adds a new explanation similar to section 81 for old electronic records.
94 91 Contract, Grant, Disposition Document Evidence Updates geographic references and modernizes currency values in illustrations.
95 92 Oral Agreement Exclusion Updates legal terms and modernizes currency values in illustrations.
96 93 Ambiguous Document Amendment Exclusion Modernizes currency values in illustrations.
97 94 Document Application Exclusion No change.
98 95 Unmeaning Document Evidence Updates geographic references in illustrations.
99 96 Singular Application Language Updates geographic references in illustrations.
100 97 Inapplicable Language Evidence No change.
101 98 Illegible Character Evidence Updates regional references.
102 99 Document Variation Evidence No change.
103 100 Will Provision Saving Updates references to the Indian Succession Act.
104 101 Burden of Proof No change.
105 102 Proof Burden No change.
106 103 Specific Fact Proof Burden No change.
107 104 Admissible Evidence Proof Burden No change.
108 105 Accused Exception Proof Burden Updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
109 106 Special Knowledge Fact Proof Burden No change.
110 107 Recent Death Proof Burden No change.
111 108 Alive Person Proof Burden Simplifies the provision.
112 109 Relationship Proof Burden No change.
113 110 Ownership Proof Burden No change.
114 111 Active Confidence Transaction Proof Updates legal terms.
115 111A Certain Offense Presumption Updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
116 112 Marriage Legitimacy Proof Gender-neutral language update.
117 113A Married Woman Suicide Abetment Presumption Updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
118 113B Dowry Death Presumption Updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
119 114 Fact Presumption Restructures illustrations and adds subsections.
120 114A Rape Consent Absence Presumption Updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
121 115 Estoppel No change.
122 116 Tenant, Licensee Estoppel Adds minor textual updates.
123 117 Bill Acceptor, Bailee, Licensee Estoppel No change.
124 118 Witness Testimony Updates mental health references.
125 119 Non-verbal Communication Witness No change.
126 120 Spousal Witness Competency Updates title and structures paragraphs.
127 121 Judicial Official Testimony No change.
128 122 Marital Communication Evidence No change.
129 123 State Affair Evidence No change.
130 124 Official Communication Evidence No change.
131 125 Offense Commission Information No change.
132(1) & (2) 126 Professional Communication Updates legal terms and simplifies language.
132(3) 127 Interpreter, Employee Professional Communication Updates employment references.
133 128 Volunteered Evidence Privilege Updates legal terms.
134 129 Legal Adviser Confidential Communication Simplifies legal terms.
135 130 Non-party Witness Title Deed Production No change.
136 131 Document Production Refusal Right No change.
137 132 Witness Answer Compulsion Simplifies the provision.
138 133 Accomplice Testimony Updates language for clarity.
139 134 Witness Number No change.
140 135 Witness Examination Order No change.
141 136 Evidence Admissibility Judgment Structures paragraphs and excludes headings.
142 137 Witness Examination Structures paragraphs and simplifies language.
143 138 Examination Order Structures paragraphs and updates terminology.
144 139 Document Production Witness Cross-examination No change.
145 140 Character Witness No change.
146(1) 141 Leading Questions Integrates IEA section as a BSA subsection.
146(2) & (3) 142 Leading Question Restrictions Integrates IEA sections as BSA subsections.
146(4) 143 Leading Question Allowances Integrates IEA section as a BSA subsection.
147 144 Written Matter Evidence No change.
148 145 Written Statement Cross-examination No change.
149 146 Cross-examination Questions Updates legal references and structures items.
150 147 Answer Compulsion Witness No change.
151 148 Question Asking and Answering Court Decision Adds "namely" for clarity in subsection.
152 149 Question Ground Reasonability Updates legal and criminal terms.
153 150 Unreasonable Ground Question Court Procedure Updates legal terms.
154 151 Indecent, Scandalous Questions No change.
155 152 Insulting, Annoying Questions No change.
156 153 Veracity Testing Answer Contradiction Exclusion Updates geographic references.
157 154 Own Witness Questioning No change.
158 155 Witness Credit Impeachment Structures items and updates criminal terms.
159 156 Expert Opinion Fact Corroboration No change.
160 157 Witness Previous Statement Corroboration No change.
161 158 Proved Statement Relevant Fact Proof No change.
162 159 Memory Refreshing Structures paragraphs and simplifies provisions.
163 160 Document Stated Fact Testimony No change.
164 161 Memory Refreshing Document Adverse Party Right Updates language for clarity.
165 162 Document Production Structures paragraphs and adds new proviso.
166 163 Document Notice Production Evidence No change.
167 164 Refused Document Production Evidence No change.
168 165 Judicial Questioning, Document Production Updates terminology and simplifies language.
169 167 Evidence Admission, Rejection Trial Impact No change.
170 New Repeal and Savings Newly added provision for transitional measures.

This table encapsulates the detailed correspondence and differences between the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA), highlighting updates, modernizations, and additions to align with contemporary legal standards and digital advancements.

Conclusion:

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam aims to refine the definition and management of electronic records in legal proceedings, requiring a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation and to address the challenges of the digital age in the legal domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Free Judiciary Notes PDF available?

Expand Faq Icon

Can I Prepare for Indian Contract Act in 3 months?

Expand Faq Icon

What are the important bare acts for judiciary exams?

Expand Faq Icon

What is provision under criminal procedure code?

Expand Faq Icon

Why are Indian Evidence Act Notes important for Judiciary Exams 2023?

Expand Faq Icon

Can I rely solely on Indian Evidence Act Notes for exam preparation?

Expand Faq Icon