Judge’s power to put questions or order production
Chapter 10: Of examination of witnesses
The Judge may, in order to discover or obtain proof of relevant facts, ask any question he considers necessary, in any form, at any time, of any witness, or of the parties about any fact; and may order the production of any document or thing; and neither the parties nor their representatives shall be entitled to make any objection to any such question or order, nor, without the leave of the Court, to cross-examine any witness upon any answer given in reply to any such question:
Provided that the judgment must be based upon facts declared by this Adhiniyam to be relevant, and duly proved:
Provided further that this section shall not authorise any Judge to compel any witness to answer any question, or to produce any document which such witness would be entitled to refuse to answer or produce under sections 127 to 136, both inclusive, if the question were asked or the document were called for by the adverse party; nor shall the Judge ask any question which it would be improper for any other person to ask under section 151 or 152; nor shall he dispense with primary evidence of any document, except in the cases hereinbefore excepted.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Act No. 47 of 2023). As printed in the Gazette on 25 December 2023. Later amendments, if any, are not included.
Related sections
- 162Refreshing memoryEvidence Act 159
- 163Testimony to facts stated in document mentioned in section 162Evidence Act 160
- 164Right of adverse party as to writing used to refresh memoryEvidence Act 161
- 165Production of documentsEvidence Act 162
- 166Giving, as evidence, of document called for and produced on noticeEvidence Act 163
- 167Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on noticeEvidence Act 164