Evidence Act to BSA
Evidence Act Section 119 in BSA: Section 125
Section 119 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Witness unable to communicate verbally) corresponds to Section 125 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
Evidence Act 119 and BSA 125 at a glance
| Evidence Act (old) | BSA (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 119 | 125 |
| Heading | Witness unable to communicate verbally | Witness unable to communicate verbally |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What Evidence Act Section 119 covered
Allows a witness who is unable to speak to give evidence in any other intelligible manner, such as by writing or signs, in open court, with the assistance of an interpreter or special educator where needed.
What changed in BSA Section 125
The provision is carried over as BSA Section 125 without substantive change.
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.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
Evidence Act 119: common questions
What is the new section for Evidence Act 119?
Evidence Act Section 119 (Witness unable to communicate verbally) corresponds to Section 125 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
What changed between Evidence Act 119 and BSA 125?
The provision is carried over as BSA Section 125 without substantive change.
Does Evidence Act Section 119 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.
Related Evidence Act sections
- Evidence Act 118 to BSA 124 · Competence of witnesses
- Evidence Act 133 to BSA 138 · Accomplice evidence
- Evidence Act 145 to BSA 148 · Contradicting a witness
- Evidence Act 154 to BSA 157 · Hostile witness
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.