INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023
50. Opinion on relationship, when relevant.
44. Opinion on relationship, when relevant.
changed or removed in old law
changed or added in new law
Similar wording stays plain; only differences are highlighted.
INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
50. Opinion on relationship, when relevant. ––When the Court has to form an opinion as to the
relationship of one person to another, the opinion, expressed by conduct, as to the existence of such
relationship, of any person who, as a member of the family or otherwise, has special means of knowledge
on the subject, is a relevant fact:
Provided that such opinion shall not be sufficient to prove a marriage in proceedings under the Indian
Divorce Act, 1869 (4 of 1869), or in prosecutions under section 494, 495, 497 or 498 of the Indian Penal
Code (45 of 1860).
Illustrations
(a) The question is, whether A and B, were married.
The fact that they were usually received and treated by their friends as husband and wife, is relevant.
1. Ins. by Act 21 of 2000, s. 92 and the Second Schedule (w.e.f. 17-10-2000).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 52, for “digital signature” (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
3. Subs. by s 52, ibid., for “Digital Signature Certificate” (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
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(b) The question is, whether A was the legitimate son of B. The fact that A was always treated as
such by members of the family, is relevant.
Repealed / replaced by BSA India Code — IEA 1872
BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023
44. Opinion on relationship, when relevant.—When the Court has to form an opinion as to the
relationship of one person to another, the opinion, expressed by conduct, as to the existence of such
relationship, of any person who, as a member of the family or otherwise, has special means of knowledge
on the subject, is a relevant fact:
Provided that such opinion shall not be sufficient to prove a marriage in proceedings under the
Divorce Act, 1869 (4 of 1869), or in prosecution under sections 82 and 84 of the Bharatiya Nyaya
Sanhita, 2023.
Illustrations.
(a) The question is, whether A and B were married. The fact that they were usually received and
treated by their friends as husband and wife, is relevant.
(b) The question is, whether A was the legitimate son of B. The fact that A was always treated as
such by members of the family, is relevant.
Current law India Code — BSA 2023