Examination of Witnesses
- Section 134 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with number of witnesses.
- No particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.
- Section 137 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with Examination-in-Chief
- The examination of a witness by the party who calls him shall be called his examination-in-chief.
- Cross-examination - The examination of a witness by the adverse party shall be called his cross-examination.
- Re-examination - The examination of a witness, subsequent to the cross-examination by the party who called him, shall be called his re-examination.
- A party who has called him/her as a witness can re-examine him/her after his/her cross-examination is over.
- The re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred to in cross-examination.
- Section 141 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 deals with leading questions.
- Any question suggesting the answer which the person pulling it wishes or expects to receive, is called a leading question.
- The expression "Leading Questions" literally means a question which itself suggest answer.
- Section 142 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provides for when leading questions must not be asked
- 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.
- Section 143 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provides for when leading questions may be asked
- Leading questions may be asked in cross-examination.