IEA Section 164: Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on notice

Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Chapter 10: The Examination Of Witnesses

Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).

When a party refuses to produce a document which he has had notice to produce, he cannot afterwards use the document as evidence without the consent of the other party or the order of the Court.

Illustration

A sues Bon an agreement and gives B notice to produce it. At the trial A calls for the document and B refuses to produce it. A gives secondary evidence of its contents. B seeks to produce the document itself to contradict the secondary evidence given by A, or in order to show that the agreement is not stamped. He cannot do so. 

Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.

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