IEA Section 21: Proof of admissions against persons making them, and by or on their behalf
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Chapter 2: The Relevancy Of Facts
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
¶Admissions are relevant and may be proved as against the person who makes them or his representative in interest; but they cannot be proved by or on behalf of the person who makes them or by his representative in interest, except in the following cases:--
¶(1) An admission may be proved by or on behalf of the person making it, when it is of such a nature that, if the person making it were dead, it would be relevant as between third persons under section 32.
¶(2) An admission may by proved by or on behalf of the person making it, when it consists of a statement of the existence of any state of mind or body, relevant or in issue, made at or about the time when such state of mind or body existed, and is accompanied by conduct rendering its falsehood improbable.
¶(3) An admission may be proved by on behalf of the person making it, if it is relevant otherwise than as an admission.
¶Illustrations
¶(a) The question between A and B is, whether a certain deed is or is not forged, A affirms that it is genuine, B that it is forged.
¶A may prove a statement by B that the deed is genuine, and B may prove a statement by A that the deed is forged; but A cannot prove a statement by himself that the deed is genuine, nor can B prove a statement by himself that the deed is forged.
¶(b) A, the Captain of a ship, is tried for casting her away.
¶Evidence is given to show that the ship was taken out of her proper course.
¶A produces a book kept by him in the ordinary course of his business showing observations alleged to have been taken by him from day to day, and indicating mat the ship was not taken out of her proper course. A may prove these statements, because they would be admissible between third parties, if he were dead, under section 32, clause (2).
¶(c) A is accused of a crime committed by him at Calcutta.
¶He produces a letter written by himself and dated at Lahore on that day, and bearing the Lahore post mark of that day.
¶The statement in the date of the letter is admissible, because, if A were dead, it would be admissible under section 32, clause (2).
¶(d) A is accused of receiving stolen goods knowing them to be stolen.
¶He offers to prove that he refused to sell them below their value.
¶A may prove these statements, though they are admissions, because they are explanatory of conduct influenced by facts in issue.
¶(e) A is accused of fraudulently having in his possession counterfeit coin which he knew to be counterfeit.
¶He offers to prove that he asked a skillful person to examine the coin as he doubted whether it was counterfeit or not, and that the person did examine it and told him it was genuine.
¶A may prove these facts for the reasons stated in the last preceding illustration.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BSA 19 (corresponding section). IEA → BSA converterSource: BPR&D BSA–IEA corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-07-03), p3
Official reference: Legislative Department, Assam: government historical 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. 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
- 5. Evidence may be given of facts in issue and relevant facts
- 6. Relevancy of facts forming part of same transaction
- 7. Facts which are the occasion, cause or effect of facts in issue
- 8. Motive, preparation and previous or subsequent conduct
- 9. Facts necessary to explain or introduce relevant facts
- 10. Things said or done by conspirator in reference to common design
- 11. When facts not otherwise relevant become relevant
- 12. In suits for damages, facts tending to enable Court to determine amount are relevant
- 13. Facts relevant when right or custom is in question
- 14. Facts showing existence of state of mind, or of body or bodily feeling
- 15. Facts bearing on question whether act was accidental or intentional
- 16. Existence of course of business when relevant
- 17. Admission defined
- 18. Admission by party to proceeding or his agent by suitor in representative character
- 19. Admissions by persons whose position must be proved as against party to suit
- 20. Admissions by persons expressly referred to by party to suit
- 22. When oral admissions as to contents of documents are relevant
- 22A. When oral admissions as to contents of electronic records are relevant
- 23. Admissions in civil cases, when relevant
- 24. Confession caused by inducement, threat or promise, when irrelevant in criminal proceeding
- 25. Confession to police officer not to be proved
- 26. Confession by accused while in custody of police not to be proved against him
- 27. How much of information received from accused may be proved
- 28. Confession made after removal of impression caused by inducement, threat or promise relevant
- 29. Confession otherwise relevant not to become irrelevant because of promise of secrecy, etc
- 30. Consideration of proved confession affecting person making it and others jointly under trial for same offence
- 31. Admissions not conclusive proof, but may estop
- 32. Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found, etc., is relevant
- 33. Relevancy of certain evidence for proving, in subsequent proceeding, the truth of facts therein stated
- 34. Entries in books of account including those maintained in an electronic form] when relevant
- 35. Relevancy of entry in public record or an electronic record made in performance of duty
- 36. Relevancy of statements in maps, charts and plans
- 37. Relevancy of statement as to fact to public nature, contained in certain Acts or notifications
- 38. Relevancy of statements as to any law contained in law-books
- 39. What evidence to be given when statement forms part of a conversation, document, electronic record, book or series of letters or papers
- 40. Previous judgments relevant to bar a second suit or trial
- 41. Relevancy of certain judgments in probate, etc., jurisdiction
- 42. Relevancy and effect of judgments, orders or decrees, other than those mentioned in section 41
- 43. Judgments, etc., other than those mentioned in sections 40 to 42, when relevant
- 44. Fraud or collusion in obtaining judgment, or incompetency of Court, may be proved
- 45. Opinions of experts
- 45A. Opinion of Examiner of Electronic Evidence
- 46. Facts bearing upon opinions of experts
- 47. Opinion as to handwriting, when relevant
- 47A. Opinion as to digital signature when relevant
- 48. Opinion as to existence of right or custom, when relevant
- 49. Opinion as to usages, tenets, etc., when relevant
- 50. Opinion or relationship, when relevant
- 51. Grounds of opinion, when relevant
- 52. In civil cases character to prove conduct imputed, irrelevant
- 53. In criminal cases, previous good character relevant
- 53A. Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases-
- 54. In criminal proceedings previous conviction relevant, but not previous bad character, except in reply
- 55. Character as affecting damages