BSA Section 144: Cross-examination of person called to produce a document

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 · Chapter 10: Of Examination of Witnesses

144. 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.

Bare act text for reference, current to 1 July 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.

Other sections in this chapter

140. Order of production and examination of witnesses
141. Judge to decide as to admissibility of evidence
142. Examination of witnesses
143. Order of examinations
145. Witnesses to character
146. Leading questions
147. Evidence as to matters in writing
148. Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
149. Questions lawful in cross-examination
150. When witness to be compelled to answer
151. Court to decide when question shall be asked and when witness compelled to answer
152. Question not to be asked without reasonable grounds
153. Procedure of Court in case of question being asked without reasonable grounds
154. Indecent and scandalous questions
155. Questions intended to insult or annoy
156. Exclusion of evidence to contradict answers to questions testing veracity
157. Question by party to his own witness
158. Impeaching credit of witness
159. Questions tending to corroborate evidence of relevant fact, admissible
160. Former statements of witness may be proved to corroborate later testimony as to same fact
161. What matters may be proved in connection with proved statement relevant under section 26 or 27
162. Refreshing memory
163. Testimony to facts stated in document mentioned in section 162
164. Right of adverse party as to writing used to refresh memory
165. Production of documents
166. Giving, as evidence, of document called for and produced on notice
167. Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on notice
168. Judge\u2019s power to put questions or order production