Evidence Act Section 118 = BSA Section 120

Who May Testify

कौन साक्ष्य दे सकता है

Witnesses & Examination No Change in Punishment Non-Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 118 of the Indian Evidence Act (1872) dealt with who may testify. Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, this provision is now covered under Section 120. The BSA modernizes the evidence law framework while retaining the core principles.

Hindi भारतीय साक्ष्य अधिनियम (1872) की धारा 118 कौन साक्ष्य दे सकता है से संबंधित थी। भारतीय साक्ष्य अधिनियम (BSA) 2023 के तहत, यह प्रावधान अब धारा 120 में शामिल है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect Evidence Act (Old) BSA (New)
Section Number Section 118 Section 120
Title Who May Testify Who May Testify
Punishment N/A (Evidence Law) N/A (Evidence Law)
Cognizable No — Warrant required for arrest
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By N/A (Evidence Law)

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from Evidence Act 118 to BSA 120
  • BSA modernizes the evidence framework with updated terminology
  • Core evidentiary principles remain substantially the same

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BSA equivalent of Evidence Act Section 118?

Evidence Act Section 118 (Who May Testify) is now BSA Section 120 under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has Evidence Act Section 118 changed under BSA?

The core provision remains substantially the same under BSA Section 120. The BSA reorganizes the evidence law with updated language and some refinements.

Legal Disclaimer

This Evidence Act-to-BSA section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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