What does ‘evidence’, under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, mean? 1.

What does ‘evidence’, under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, mean?

  • 1. Statements in relation to matters of fact under inquiry which the court permits or requires to be made before it by witnesses
  • 2. Documents produced for the inspection of the court including electronic records

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
The correct answer is C.
Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 defines “Evidence”. According to this definition, “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. (This matches statement 1).
2. All documents including electronic records produced for the inspection of the Court; such documents are called Documentary evidence. (This matches statement 2).
The definition in the Act is exhaustive; only these two categories constitute ‘evidence’ under the Act. Statements made outside court or documents not produced for inspection by the court are not considered ‘evidence’ in the legal sense used by the Act. Both oral testimonies by witnesses and documentary proof (including electronic records) produced before the court fall under the definition.