New criminal laws
Evidence Act to BSA section list: old and new section numbers
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 from 1 July 2024. The rules of relevancy and proof are largely the same, renumbered, with clearer treatment of electronic and digital records. Pick an Evidence Act section below to see its BSA section and what changed.
Last updated 9 October 2026
Definitions
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 3 | 2 | Interpretation clause |
Admissions, confessions and statements
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 17 | 15 | Admission defined |
| Section 24 | 22 | Confession caused by inducement, threat or promise |
| Section 25 | 23(1) | Confession to police officer not to be proved |
| Section 27 | 23(2) | How much of information received from accused may be proved |
| Section 32 | 26 | Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found is relevant |
Opinion evidence
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 45 | 39 | Opinions of experts |
Documentary and electronic evidence
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 61 | 56 | Proof of contents of documents |
| Section 65A | 62 | Special provisions as to evidence relating to electronic record |
| Section 65B | 63 | Admissibility of electronic records |
Burden of proof, presumptions and estoppel
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 101 | 104 | Burden of proof |
| Section 106 | 109 | Burden of proving fact especially within knowledge |
| Section 113A | 117 | Presumption as to abetment of suicide by a married woman |
| Section 113B | 118 | Presumption as to dowry death |
| Section 114 | 119 | Court may presume existence of certain facts |
| Section 115 | 121 | Estoppel |
Witnesses and their examination
| Evidence Act | BSA | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 118 | 124 | Who may testify |
| Section 119 | 125 | Witness unable to communicate verbally |
| Section 133 | 138 | Accomplice |
| Section 145 | 148 | Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing |
| Section 154 | 157 | Question by party to his own witness |
Which law applies: Evidence Act or BSA?
The BSA applies from 1 July 2024. Under Section 170 of the BSA, an application, trial, inquiry, investigation, proceeding or appeal that was pending immediately before that date continues to be governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Evidence Act to BSA: common questions
When did the BSA replace the Evidence Act?
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 came into force on 1 July 2024, replacing the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Does the Evidence Act still apply to older cases?
The BSA applies from 1 July 2024. Under Section 170 of the BSA, an application, trial, inquiry, investigation, proceeding or appeal that was pending immediately before that date continues to be governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Is every Evidence Act section listed here?
No. This list covers 21 of the sections practitioners and students look up most often. For any other section, compare the bare acts or use the Section Mapper in Settl, and verify the result against the statute.
Map any section inside Settl
The signed-in Section Mapper converts sections in both directions and keeps the result next to your matter files, drafts and court diary.
Not legal advice. This page is general information for legal professionals and students. Settl is not a law firm. Check the bare act, current rules and recent case law, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on.