Evidence Act to BSA
Evidence Act Section 3 in BSA: Section 2
Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Interpretation clause) corresponds to Section 2 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
Evidence Act 3 and BSA 2 at a glance
| Evidence Act (old) | BSA (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 3 | 2 |
| Heading | Interpretation clause | Definitions |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What Evidence Act Section 3 covered
Defines the key terms of the Act, including "court", "fact", "relevant", "facts in issue", "document", "evidence", "proved", "disproved" and "not proved".
What changed in BSA Section 2
The definitions in BSA Section 2 expressly bring electronic material within the Adhiniyam: "document" includes electronic and digital records, and "evidence" includes statements given electronically.
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 3: common questions
What is the new section for Evidence Act 3?
Evidence Act Section 3 (Interpretation clause) corresponds to Section 2 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
What changed between Evidence Act 3 and BSA 2?
The definitions in BSA Section 2 expressly bring electronic material within the Adhiniyam: "document" includes electronic and digital records, and "evidence" includes statements given electronically.
Does Evidence Act Section 3 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.
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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.