Digital Proofs And Legal Admissibility: Understanding Electronic Evidence Under The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
Abstract
The ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023’ has repealed the ‘Indian Evidence Act, 1872’ and introduced significant provisions for the ‘admissibility’, ‘relevance,’ and ‘reliability’ of ‘electronic evidence’ in legal proceedings. This paper explores the legal framework under the ‘Indian Evidence Act’ and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam governing ‘electronic evidence’, focusing on its admissibility under Sections 61 to 65B. New methods are required to ensure the authenticity and integrity of evidence due to the transition from traditional physical evidence to electronic formats like emails, digital documents, and social media information. The Act tackles issues like the chain of custody, certification's function in digital evidence, and striking a balance between individuals' right to privacy and the process of legal discovery. Special emphasis is placed on the procedural requirements for presenting electronic records, with detailed analysis of court rulings on their applicability. Additionally, this paper reviews the challenges courts face in interpreting electronic evidence and suggests best practices for legal professionals in handling digital evidence under the new legislative regime.
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