Understanding the Admissibility and Relevancy of Evidence in Indian Courts

In legal proceedings, the terms "relevancy" and "admissibility" are often used interchangeably, but they carry different legal implications. This post delves into the nuances of these concepts as explained by Smt. K. Latha, Junior Civil Judge, Nandalur, in her detailed analysis of the Indian Evidence Act and other relevant laws.

Relevancy vs. Admissibility:

Relevancy refers to the connection between one fact and another. Under the Indian Evidence Act, a fact is considered relevant if it is connected with other facts in a manner outlined in Sections 6 to 55 of the Act. For instance, facts that are logically connected may be relevant, but not all relevant facts are legally admissible.

Admissibility is a subset of relevancy, focusing on whether a fact or piece of evidence is legally permissible in court. Only legally relevant facts are admissible as evidence.

Key Legal Principles:

Facts in Issue: These are the facts under dispute between parties in a legal proceeding. They form the basis of the trial and are central to the court's decision.

Documentary Evidence: Documents play a crucial role in legal cases. According to the Indian Evidence Act, documents must pass through stages of production, admittance, and proof to be considered valid evidence.

Objections to Documents: When a document is tendered as evidence, the opposing party has the right to object on various grounds, such as insufficient stamp duty, irregular proof, or outright inadmissibility due to statutory provisions.

Electronic Evidence: The admissibility of electronic records, including emails, SMS, and digital files, is governed by Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act. A certificate under this section is often required to prove the authenticity of electronic records.

Collateral Purpose: Unregistered documents, although not admissible as primary evidence, may be used for collateral purposes, provided they do not directly affect immovable property rights.

Video and Audio Evidence: The courts have embraced technological advancements like video conferencing and digital recordings, which are now admissible under specific guidelines.

Practical Application:

In civil and criminal cases, the admissibility of evidence is crucial. Lawyers must be vigilant in raising timely objections to prevent inadmissible evidence from influencing the outcome. Understanding the legal framework around evidence helps in effectively navigating trials and ensuring that justice is served.

This comprehensive overview provides insights into how courts in India handle different types of evidence, from traditional documents to modern electronic records, ensuring that all relevant facts are presented and evaluated according to the law.