Evidence Act Section 119 = BSA Section 121

Dumb Witnesses

गूँगे साक्षी

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

Overview

Section 119 of the Indian Evidence Act (1872) dealt with dumb witnesses. Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, this provision is now covered under Section 121. The BSA modernizes the evidence law framework while retaining the core principles.
Hindi भारतीय साक्ष्य अधिनियम (1872) की धारा 119 गूँगे साक्षी से संबंधित थी। भारतीय साक्ष्य अधिनियम (BSA) 2023 के तहत, यह प्रावधान अब धारा 121 में शामिल है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect Evidence Act (Old) BSA (New)
Section Number Section 119 Section 121
Title Dumb Witnesses Dumb Witnesses
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 119 to BSA 121
  • 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 119?

Evidence Act Section 119 (Dumb Witnesses) is now BSA Section 121 under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has Evidence Act Section 119 changed under BSA?

The core provision remains substantially the same under BSA Section 121. 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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