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Indian Evidence Act, 1872

Section 156

Question tending to corroborate evidence of relevant fact, admissible

Quick Answer Reference: Section 156 IEA

  • Provision: Section 156 of IEA
  • Act: Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • Classification: evidence
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section allows a witness to be questioned about other circumstances they observed near the time or place of a relevant fact, if these circumstances could corroborate the witness's testimony.
Statutory Content

What does Section 156 of IEA say?

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 at which such relevant fact occurred, if the Court is of opinion that such circumstances, if proved, would corroborate testimony of the witness as to the relevant fact which he testifies.

Indian StandardSection 156, Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Bluebook (21st ed.)Indian Evidence Act, 1872, § 156 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 156 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/indian-evidence-act-1872/156

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Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Meera Reddy (Bar Council ID: AP/2910/2019).
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Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 156 of IEA mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section allows a witness to be questioned about other circumstances they observed near the time or place of a relevant fact, if these circumstances could corroborate the witness's testimony.

Practical Interpretation

In practice, this section enables the court to gather more evidence to support or contradict a witness's statement by inquiring about related circumstances.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose is to assist in verifying the truthfulness of a witness's testimony by considering additional relevant details.

Key Legal Elements
  • The witness must be giving evidence of a relevant fact.
  • The court must be of the opinion that the additional circumstances could corroborate the witness's testimony.
  • The questioning must be about circumstances observed at or near the time or place of the relevant fact.
  • The court's opinion on the potential corroborative value of the circumstances is key.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 156 IEA

For instance, if Rajesh is testifying about seeing a car accident, he could be questioned about the weather conditions, the presence of other witnesses, or any other relevant details that might support or contradict his account of the accident.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 156 IEA

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 156 of IEA?

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment.

Q: Does this section apply to private individuals or public entities?

This section applies to any witness giving evidence in a court proceeding, regardless of whether they are a private individual or a public entity.

Q: Is an offence under this section bailable or cognizable?

This section does not deal with offences, so it is neither bailable nor cognizable.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 156 IEA

What is Section 156 of IEA?

Section 156 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA) defines and regulates "Question tending to corroborate evidence of relevant fact, admissible". In plain terms: This section allows a witness to be questioned about other circumstances they observed near the time or place of a relevant fact, if these circumstances could corroborate the witness's testimony.

What are the elements of Section 156 of IEA?

The essential elements of Section 156 of IEA are: The witness must be giving evidence of a relevant fact.; The court must be of the opinion that the additional circumstances could corroborate the witness's testimony.; The questioning must be about circumstances observed at or near the time or place of the relevant fact..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 156 IEA

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

2013 2 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

Related Sections
Commonly Cited Alongside

Sections commonly cited alongside Section 156

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