Answer By law4u team
Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 - Section 144: Crossexamination of person called to produce a document.
A person summoned to produce a document does not become a witness by the mere fact that he produces it, and cannot be cross-examined unless and until he is called as a witness.
Brefe Detail
This section clarifies that simply producing a document does not qualify a person as a witness. They must be formally called to testify before any cross-examination can occur.
Question & Answers
Q: What does Section 144 state about a person summoned to produce a document?
A: The section states that a person does not become a witness just by producing a document.
Q: Can a person who produces a document be cross-examined immediately?
A: No, they cannot be cross-examined unless they are formally called as a witness.
Example
1. If a bank employee is summoned to produce financial records for a case, they are not considered a witness just for presenting those records. They must be called to testify about them before any cross-examination can take place.
2. An individual bringing a contract to court is only producing a document; they must be called as a witness to be cross-examined about its contents.
Summary
Section 144 emphasizes that the act of producing a document alone does not grant witness status to a person. Formal testimony is required before any cross-examination can occur.
