Indian Evidence Act, 1872
IEA Section 140 in BSA
Witnesses to character. Section 140 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Witnesses to character) corresponds to Section 145 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Verify before you rely on this. Renumbering under the 2023 codes is not a clean one-to-one exercise — provisions were merged, split and reworded. Always check the printed bare act.
Where this sits in the exam
This provision is examined under Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, worth 8 of the 100 marks in AIBE XXII. The paper permits bare acts but bans notes, so what matters is finding it quickly, not reciting the number.
Questions that turn on this section
Contradiction of a witness by his previous statement in writing requires that:
Answer & explanation
His attention must first be drawn to the parts used to contradict him
BSA Section 148 corresponds to IEA Section 145. The witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements in writing without the writing being shown, but for contradiction his attention must first be drawn to the relevant parts.
Sections either side of it
How the neighbouring provisions of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were renumbered:
| IEA | Provision | BSA |
|---|---|---|
| 135 | Order of production and examination of witnesses | 140 |
| 137 | Examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination | 142 |
| 138 | Order of examinations | 143 |
| 141 | Leading questions | 146 |
| 142 | When leading questions must not be asked | 147 |
| 145 | Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing | 148 |
Practise it
Cutoff has AIBE XXII questions on this area, each cited to both codes with a line telling you where to find it in the bare act. Ten questions per subject are free, no account needed.
Practise free Full IEA→BSA table