Motive, preparation and previous or subsequent conduct.
What this section does
Any fact showing or constituting a motive or preparation for a fact in issue or relevant fact is relevant. The conduct of any party or their agent in reference to the suit or proceeding, or any fact in issue, is relevant if it influences or is influenced by a fact in issue or relevant fact, whether the conduct was prior or subsequent. Statements are not 'conduct' unless they accompany and explain acts, but statements made to a person that affect their conduct are relevant.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
The rule in one line
Motive, preparation, and prior or subsequent conduct of parties are relevant if they influence or are influenced by a fact in issue.
When it applies
- A's procurement of poison similar to that administered to B before B's death is relevant as preparation in a murder-by-poison trial.
- A's absconding after receiving a warning letter about an inquiry into a crime is relevant as subsequent conduct.
Practitioner note
Illustration (j) expressly addresses rape complaints: a prompt complaint is relevant as conduct, but a bare statement without complaint is not relevant under this section (though it may be relevant as a dying declaration or corroborative evidence under other sections).
Derived from IEA s.8.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BSA Section 6, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BSA Section 6 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.