The correct answer is (c) Section 53.
Section 23 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with the relevancy of facts proving the existence of a state of mind. Section 27 deals with the relevancy of facts proving the existence of a right or custom. Section 133 deals with the relevancy of facts proving the existence of a general reputation. Section 53 deals with the relevancy of facts proving the existence of a public right.
Public rights are rights that are enjoyed by the public at large, such as the right to use a public road. Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provides that facts proving the existence of a public right are relevant in a civil case in which the existence of the right is in issue.
For example, if a person is sued for trespass, they may argue that they had a right to be on the land in question. In this case, the court would consider evidence of the existence of a public right to use the land. If there is evidence that the land is a public road, then the court would be more likely to find that the person had a right to be on the land.
However, Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 does not apply to criminal cases. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution cannot rely on evidence of public rights to prove the guilt of the accused.
For example, if a person is charged with murder, the prosecution cannot rely on evidence that the victim was a member of the public to prove that the accused had a motive to kill the victim. The prosecution must prove that the accused had a personal motive to kill the victim.
In conclusion, Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 does not deal with criminal matters.