IEA Section 102: On whom burden of proof lies
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Chapter 7: The Burden Of Proof
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
The burden of proof in a suit or proceeding lies on that person who would fail if no evidence at all were given on either side.
Illustrations
(a) A sues B for land of which B is in possession, and which, as A asserts, was left to A by the will of C, B's father.
If no evidence were given on either side, B would be entitled to retain his possession.
Therefore the burden of proof is on A.
(b) A sues B for money due on a bond.
The execution of the bond is admitted, but B says that it was obtained by fraud, which A denies.
If no evidence were given on either side, A would succeed, as the bond is not disputed and the fraud is not proved.
Therefore the burden of proof is on B.
Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 101. Burden of proof
- 103. Burden of proof as to particular fact
- 104. Burden of proving fact to be proved to make evidence admissible
- 105. Burden of proving that case of accused comes within exceptions
- 106. Burden of proving fact especially within knowledge
- 107. Burden of proving death of person known to have been alive within thirty years
- 108. Burden of proving that person is alive who has not been heard of for seven years
- 109. Burden of proof as to relationship in the cases of partners, landlord and tenant, principal and agent
- 110. Burden of proof as to ownership
- 111. Proof of good faith in transactions where one party is in relation of active confidence
- 111A. Presumption as to certain offences
- 112. Birth during marriage, conclusive proof of legitimacy
- 113. Proof of cession of territory
- 113A. Presumption as to abetment of suicide by a married woman
- 113B. Presumption as to dowry death
- 114. Court may presume existence of certain facts
- 114A. Presumption as to absence of consent in certain prosecutions for rape