Evidence Act to BSA
Evidence Act Section 61 in BSA: Section 56
Section 61 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Proof of contents of documents) corresponds to Section 56 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
Evidence Act 61 and BSA 56 at a glance
| Evidence Act (old) | BSA (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 61 | 56 |
| Heading | Proof of contents of documents | Proof of contents of documents |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What Evidence Act Section 61 covered
Provides that the contents of documents may be proved either by primary or by secondary evidence.
What changed in BSA Section 56
The rule is carried over as BSA Section 56. What counts as primary and secondary evidence is widened in Sections 57 and 58, which add explanations dealing with electronic and digital records.
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 61: common questions
What is the new section for Evidence Act 61?
Evidence Act Section 61 (Proof of contents of documents) corresponds to Section 56 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
What changed between Evidence Act 61 and BSA 56?
The rule is carried over as BSA Section 56. What counts as primary and secondary evidence is widened in Sections 57 and 58, which add explanations dealing with electronic and digital records.
Does Evidence Act Section 61 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 65A to BSA 62 · Electronic records
- Evidence Act 65B to BSA 63 · 65B certificate
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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.