Indian Evidence Act_Examination of Witnesses

Examination of Witnesses

1. Section 134 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with number of witnesses.
2. No particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.
3. Section 137 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with Examination-in-Chief
4. The examination of a witness by the party who calls him shall be called his examination-in-chief.
5. Cross-examination - The examination of a witness by the adverse party shall be called his cross-examination.
6. Re-examination - The examination of a witness, subsequent to the cross-examination by the party who called him, shall be called his re-examination.
7. A party who has called him/her as a witness can re-examine him/her after his/her cross-examination is over.
8. The re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred to in cross-examination.
9. Section 141 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with leading questions.
10. Any question suggesting the answer which the person pulling it wishes or expects to receive, is called a leading question.
11. The expression "Leading Questions" literally means a question which itself suggest answer.
12. Section 142 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provides for when leading questions must not be asked
13. It cannot be asked, if objected to by the adverse party, be asked in an examination-in-chief, or in a re-examination, except with the permission of the Court.
14. Section 143 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provides for when leading questions may be asked
15. Leading questions may be asked in cross-examination.