IEA Section 62: Primary evidence
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Chapter 5: Documentary Evidence
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
¶Primary evidence means the document itself produced for the inspection of the Court.
¶ Explanation 1.—Where a document is executed in several parts, each part is primary evidence of the document:
¶ Where a document is executed in counterpart, each counterpart being executed by one or some of the parties only, each counterpart is primary evidence as against the parties executing it.
¶Explanation 2.—Where a number of documents are all made by one uniform process, as in the case of printing, lithography, or photography, each is primary evidence of the contents of the rest; but, where they are all copies of a common original, they are not primary evidence of the contents of the original.
¶Illustration
¶A person is shown to have been in possession of a number of placards, all printed at one time from one original. Any one of the placards is primary evidence of the contents of any other, but no one of them is primary evidence of the contents of the original.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BSA 57 (corresponding section). IEA → BSA converterSource: BPR&D BSA–IEA corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-07-03), p7
Official reference: Legislative Department, Assam: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh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
- 61. Proof of contents of documents
- 63. Secondary evidence
- 64. Proof of documents by primary evidence
- 65. Cases in which secondary evidence relating to documents may be given
- 65A. Special provisions as to evidence relating to electronic record
- 65B. Admissibility of electronic records
- 66. Rules as to notice to produce
- 67. Proof of signature and handwriting of person alleged to have signed or written document produced
- 67A. Proof as to digital signature
- 68. Proof of execution of document required by law to be attested
- 69. Proof where no attesting witness found
- 70. Admission of execution by party to attested document
- 71. Proof when attesting witness denies the execution
- 72. Proof of document not required by law to be attested
- 73. Comparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or proved
- 73A. Proof as to verification of digital signature
- 74. Public documents
- 75. Private documents
- 76. Certified copies of public documents
- 77. Proof of documents by production of certified copies
- 78. Proof of other official documents
- 79. Presumption as to genuineness of certified copies
- 80. Presumption as to documents produced as record of evidence
- 81. Presumption as to Gazettes, newspapers, private Acts of Parliament and other documents
- 81A. Presumption as to Gazettes in electronic forms
- 82. Presumption as to document admissible in England without proof of seal or signature
- 83. Presumption as to maps or plans made by authority of Government
- 84. Presumption as to collections of laws and reports of decisions
- 85. Presumption as to power-of-attorney
- 85A. Presumption as to electronic agreements the Central Government in or for such country to be the manner commonly in use in that country for the certification of copies of judicial records
- 85B. Presumption as to electronic records and digital signatures
- 85C. Presumption as to [Electronic Signature Certificates]
- 86. Presumption as to certified copies of foreign judicial records
- 87. Presumption as to books, maps and charts
- 88. Presumption as to telegraphic messages
- 88A. Presumption as to electronic messages
- 89. Presumption as to due execution, etc. of documents not produced
- 90. Presumption as to documents thirty years old
- 90A. Presumption as to electronic records five years old