Relevancy and admissibility are two important concepts under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,2023 (BSA) to properly understand how facts are handled in legal proceedings.
What is Relevancy of facts
Relevancy of facts under BSA means connection of two events as cause and effect.So,it is a connection between two facts such that the existence of one fact makes the existence of other fact probable or improbable.This is called logical relevance based on deductive reasoning.Relevancy of fact is that under which the fact that is related to fact in issue or relevant fact in one or the other way specified in BSA.
Section 2(1)(k) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,2023 (BSA) defines a relevant fact which means a fact is considered relevant if it is connected to another fact as specified in Sections 4 to 50 of the BSA.This connection helps in establishing or disproving the facts in issue. Relevancy is about how one fact impacts the probability or improbability of another fact, which is often determined through logical reasoning.
Key Components of Relevancy of facts
- Connection:Two facts are connected in a way that the presence of one fact makes the existence of the other more or less likely.
- Legal Framework: Sections 4 to 50 of the BSA showcases how facts should be connected with the other facts to be considered relevant.
- Logical Reasoning:Relevancy is determined on the basis of deductive logic and how one factor influences another.
Exceptions to Relevancy of facts
All logically relevant facts are not legally relevant. Section 3 of The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,2023(BNS) restricts the admissibility to only those facts that are expressly declared relevant by law. Hence, facts that might seem relevant logically but are not legally relevant are not admitted in court.
Examples
- When a person is accused of theft, any evidence that they were seen near the crime scene will be considered relevant.
- Any statements showing a person’s motive to commit the crime will also fall under relevant facts.
What is Admissibility of facts?
Admissibility of facts is based on strict legal rules rather than logical reasoning.It relates to the permissibility of the evidence to prove a particular fact in any proceeding.
Section 141 of BSA says that evidence is admissible only if it is relevant and duly proved. Admissibility is concerned with the legal standards for evidence, including whether it follows procedural rules and legal requirements.
Key Components of Admissibility of facts
- Legal Standards: It is governed by strict legal rules.
- Procedural Compliance: Evidence must strictly comply with legal procedures to be admitted.
- Proof Requirements: Relevant facts must be duly proved to be admissible.
Exceptions to Admissibility to facts
Certain evidence might be excluded even though they are relevant based on legal rules or procedural issues. For example,hearsay evidence might be relevant but not admissible.
Examples
- A testimony of a witness will be considered admissible if it directly relates to the case and is made under oath.
- authentication of documents and presenting properly to make it admissible as evidence.
Why is This Important?
Admissibility of facts and relevancy of facts are neither co-extensive nor synonymous,the former being based on probative force and logical reasoning and the latter is based on legal policy or legal rules.All admissible facts are relevant but all relevant facts are not admissible.
Distinguishing between relevancy and admissibility helps in understanding legal proceedings properly. Knowing what evidence is relevant and admissible helps in presenting the case in accordance with legal standards, which can significantly impact the result of the case.
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