Are Diaries Admissible As Evidence?

Diaries maintained by survivors or witnesses can serve as important evidence in domestic violence cases by documenting incidents, dates, and details of abuse. However, their admissibility depends on authenticity, relevance, and whether they are corroborated by other evidence. Courts consider diaries as supportive evidence but generally require them to be verified.

Admissibility of Diaries in Domestic Violence Cases

Relevance and Authenticity

The diary should contain relevant details about the abuse and must be proved to be genuine (written by the survivor or witness) for admissibility.

Supporting Evidence

Diaries are stronger when supported by other evidence such as medical reports, witness testimony, or electronic records.

Legal Precedents

Courts have accepted diaries as corroborative evidence, especially if entries are consistent and made contemporaneously with incidents.

Limitations

Since diaries are unilateral documents, the opposing party may challenge their accuracy or accuse the writer of fabrication. Hence, courts assess their credibility carefully.

Use in Protection and Maintenance Orders

Diaries can help the court understand the pattern of abuse and support applications for protection or maintenance orders.

Legal Framework

• Indian Evidence Act, 1872 governs the admissibility of documentary evidence including diaries.
• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act allows courts to consider any evidence relevant to proving domestic violence.

Consumer/Victim Safety Tips

• Maintain diaries in a safe place, preferably with dates and signatures.
• Use clear, factual language to record incidents promptly.
• Inform your lawyer about the diary to use it strategically in court.
• Avoid alterations or additions after the fact to maintain credibility.

Example

A survivor maintains a diary documenting daily incidents of verbal and physical abuse.

Steps Taken:

• The diary is submitted as evidence during the domestic violence case.
• The court verifies the diary’s consistency with medical reports and witness accounts.
• The diary supports the survivor’s claims leading to issuance of protection orders.
• The abuser is restrained from further abuse based on evidence including the diary.