Definitions.
What this section does
This section defines key terms used throughout the Adhiniyam, including 'Court', 'document' (expressly including electronic and digital records), 'evidence' (oral and documentary, including electronically given statements), 'fact', 'facts in issue', 'proved', 'disproved', 'not proved', 'may presume', 'shall presume', 'conclusive proof', and 'relevant'. It also provides that undefined words used in the Adhiniyam but defined in the IT Act 2000, BNSS 2023, or BNS 2023 carry the meanings assigned there.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
The rule in one line
Foundational definitions governing the entire Adhiniyam, notably expanding 'document' and 'evidence' to cover electronic and digital records.
When it applies
- Emails, server logs, messages, and voice mails stored on digital devices are 'documents' under clause (d).
- A statement given via video-conferencing before a Court qualifies as oral evidence under clause (e)(i).
Practitioner note
The BSA explicitly adds electronic/digital records to the definition of 'document' and 'evidence', codifying what was previously read into IEA s.3 through the IT Act amendments.
- EVIDENCE Section 3 — Definitions
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BSA Section 2, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BSA Section 2 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.