CrPC Section 296: Evidence of formal character on affidavit
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Chapter 23: Evidence in enquiries and Trails
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
¶ 296. Evidence of formal character on affidavit.- (1) The evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code.
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(2) The Court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of the prosecution or the accused, summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in his affidavit.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNSS 332 (corresponding section). CrPC → BNSS converterSource: BPR&D BNSS–CrPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-07-03), p17
Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: historical CrPC reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.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. Section 135 was restored and individually checked against the linked government PDF (pages 75–76) on 2026-10-02; this is not a verification of the whole collection. Schedules and forms are not consolidated here. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 272. Language of Courts
- 273. Evidence to be taken in presence of accused
- 274. Record in summons-cases and inquiries
- 275. Record in warrant-cases
- 276. Record in trial before Court of Session
- 277. Language of record of evidence
- 278. Procedure in regard to such evidence when completed
- 279. Interpretation of evidence to accused or his pleader
- 280. Remarks respecting demeanour of witness
- 281. Record of examination of accused
- 282. Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
- 283. Record in High Court
- 284. When attendance of witness may be dispensed with and commission issued
- 285. Commission to whom to be issued
- 286. Execution of commissions
- 287. Parties may examine witnesses
- 288. Return of commission
- 289. Adjournment of proceeding
- 290. Execution of foreign commissions
- 291. Deposition of medical witness
- 291A. Identification report of Magistrate
- 292. Evidence of officers of the Mint
- 293. Reports of certain Government scientific experts
- 294. No formal proof of certain documents
- 295. Affidavit in proof of conduct of public servants
- 297. Authorities before whom affidavits may be sworn
- 298. Previous conviction of acquittal how proved
- 299. Record of evidence in absence of accused