BSA Section 149: Questions lawful in cross-examination
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 · Chapter 10: Of Examination of Witnesses
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¶149. When a witness is cross-examined, he may, in addition to the questions herein before referred to, be asked any questions which tend\u2014
(a) to test his veracity; or
¶(b) to discover who he is and what is his position in life; or
¶(c) to shake his credit, by injuring his character, although the answer to such questions might tend directly or indirectly to criminate him, or might expose or tend directly or indirectly to expose him to a penalty or forfeiture:
¶Provided that in a prosecution for an offence under section 64, section 65, section 66, section 67, section 68, section 69, section 70 or section 71 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is an issue, it shall not be permissible to adduce evidence or to put questions in the cross-examination of the victim as to the general immoral character, or previous sexual experience, of such victim with any person for proving such consent or the quality of consent.
Study: explanations and related material
Replaces IEA 146. IEA → BSA converterSource: BPR&D BSA–IEA corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-07-03)
Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: Gazette text, 25 December 2023 — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-07-01.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the 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
- 144. Cross-examination of person called to produce a document
- 145. Witnesses to character
- 146. Leading questions
- 147. Evidence as to matters in writing
- 148. Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
- 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