When witness to be compelled to answer.

What this section does

Where a question asked in cross-examination under section 149 relates to a matter relevant to the suit or proceeding, the compellability provisions of section 137 BSA apply, meaning the witness may be compelled to answer despite the answer being self-incriminating or otherwise objectionable.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

The rule in one line

A witness may be compelled to answer a cross-examination question that relates to a relevant matter, subject to the protections in s.137.

When it applies

• If a cross-examination question about a witness's prior conduct is relevant to the proceeding, the Court may compel the witness to answer even if the answer tends to incriminate him.
• A witness who refuses to answer a relevant cross-examination question may be directed by the Court to answer, with the protections of s.137 applying.

Derived from IEA s.147.