What Is BSA Section 160?

Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 - Section 160: Former Statements of Witness May Be Proved to Corroborate Later Testimony as to Same Fact

In order to corroborate the testimony of a witness, any former statement made by such witness relating to the same fact, at or about the time when the fact took place, or before any authority legally competent to investigate the fact, may be proved.

Brefe Detail

Section 160 of the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, allows for the admission of former statements made by a witness to support their later testimony regarding the same fact. These statements can be from around the time the fact occurred or presented to a legally competent authority.

Question & Answers

Q1: What does Section 160 of the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 pertain to?

A1: It pertains to the admissibility of former statements made by a witness to corroborate their later testimony about the same fact.

Q2: When can former statements be proved?

A2: Former statements may be proved if they relate to the same fact and were made at or about the time when the fact took place or before a legally competent authority.

Q3: What is the purpose of allowing former statements?

A3: The purpose is to corroborate the testimony of the witness regarding the same fact.

Example

Scenario: A witness, after a car accident, provides testimony about the events.

• Former Statement: Shortly after the accident, the witness tells a police officer about the sequence of events.

In this case, the statement made to the police can be used to support the witness's later testimony in court about the same accident.

Summary

Section 160 of the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, establishes that former statements made by a witness can be used to corroborate their subsequent testimony about the same fact. This provision enhances the reliability of witness accounts by allowing earlier statements to support current testimony, ensuring a more robust judicial process.