Evidence as to meaning of illegible characters, etc.
What this section does
Evidence may be given to explain the meaning of illegible characters, foreign, obsolete, technical, local or regional expressions, abbreviations, and words used in a peculiar sense. This allows courts to understand the true import of documentary language that is not commonly intelligible. The illustration shows that extrinsic evidence can clarify ambiguous trade terms in a contract.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
The rule in one line
Extrinsic evidence is admissible to explain illegible, technical, foreign, or peculiarly used words and expressions in a document.
When it applies
- A sculptor contracts to sell 'all my mods' — evidence is admissible to show whether 'mods' meant models or modelling tools.
- A document contains an obsolete regional term for a unit of land measurement — oral evidence may be given to explain its meaning.
Derived from IEA s.98.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BSA Section 101, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BSA Section 101 forms part of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam which replaced the Indian Evidence Act 1872 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.