This is an overview of Forensic examination of witness.

1. EXAMINATION OF
WITNESS
By–Pallavi kumari
Id - 19MSFS001
MSc ForensicScience
Submitted to- Dept. Of forensicscience

2. INTRODUCTION
Examination of witnesses, the term applies to the questioning and
interrogation of a witness where the witness is under oath in a
court of law. Chapter X of part III of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872
deals with the examination of a witness. Section 135 lays down the
order to be followed in production and examination of witnesses
which is left to be regulated by the code of civil procedure and
criminal procedure. If there is no provision for a particular point in
case, then, the court can exercise its own discretion in deciding the
order of production of witnesses.

3. Admissibility Of Evidence
 As per Section-5 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, only those pieces of evidence, regarding the facts and facts in
issue have to be submitted that are relevant. Section 136 has reiterated this point. It states that a judge may ask the
party, who has proposed to give evidence, as to how will such a fact, for which the evidence has been provided, be
relevant to the case. Hence, the judge can question the relevancy of the fact for which the evidence is being
provided and the evidence shall only be submitted if the judge thinks the fact will be relevant to the suit.
 If the fact (A) proposed to be proved, whose evidence will be admissible on proof of some other fact (B), the
latter (B) should be proven first. The court, may, however, exercise its discretion and let the party prove the
former (A) first, on the condition that the party will prove the latter fact (B) at a later stage.
 Where relevancy of an alleged fact is dependent on another alleged fact, the latter shall be proven first but
again, the judge may exercise his discretion and let the party prove the first fact.

4. Examination Order
Testimonies of witnesses are recorded as answers to the questions asked to them. These
questions are relevant to the facts in issue, and such questioning is called an examination of the
witness. The evidence not only includes answers to questions but may also include statements
made or that is required to be made, by the court and is relevant to the issue.
The order of examination is further explained in a certain number of Sections:
• Section137
• Section 138
• Section 139
• Section 140

5. Section 138
It states that a witness should be first examined by
the party who has called him and this is called
examination-in-chief. And when an adverse party
examines the witness, it is called cross-
examination. The cross examination may explore
all the relevant facts and not necessarily, the facts
that were asked to the witness during the
examination in chief. There might be no need for
a cross examination if the testimony is prima facie
unacceptable. If the party who called the witness,
questions him, again after cross-examination, it is
called re-examination.
It provides for the order of examination; a witness
will be first examined in chief, and then if the
adverse party deems fit, cross examined and if the
party calling him so desires, be re-examined. A
witness has to be first examined in chief to be cross-
examined, else, it is not permissible and not possible.
The matter of re examination should be limited to
examination in chief and cross-examination and if
any new matter is introduced by permission of the
court, the witness can be subjected to cross
examination, again, upon that matter.
Section 137

6. Section 139
The Section says that a person
called upon to produce a
document does not become a
witness per se. Hence, he cannot
be cross examined, unless,
examined in chief by the party
who called him.
Section 140
The Section provides that witness
to a party’s character maybe
cross-examined if already
examined in chief. The evidence
of character is meant to assist
the court in estimating the value
of the evidence brought before
the court through the mouth of
the witness.

7. Leading Questions
Section 141
“Any question suggesting the answer which the person putting it wishes or expects to receive is called a leading
question.”
A witness should tell the story relating to the relevant facts or facts in issue in his own words. If there is an inbuilt
answer in the question, or if it is suggestive of an answer, a lawyer could construct a story out of the mouth of the
witness which suits his client. If such a question is asked in the examination in chief or in re-examination, the
adverse party may object to it. This has been provided in Section 142.
Section 142
This Section also states an exception that such leading question may be asked on permission from the court, i.e.,
the objection is overruled.
Section 143
It states that leading questions may be asked in cross-examination.

8. In Writing
Section 144
“Any witness may be asked, whilst under examination, whether any contract, grant or other disposition of property,
as to which he is giving evidence, was not contained in a document, and if he says that it was, or if he is about to
make any statement as to the contents of any document, which, in the opinion of the Court, ought to be
produced, the adverse party may object to such evidence being given until such document is produced, or until
facts have been proved which entitle the party who called the witness to give secondary evidence of it.”
Accompanied by the illustration, the section is self-explanatory: The question is whether A assaulted B. C deposes
that he heard A say to D, “B wrote a letter accusing me of theft, and I will be revenged on him.” This statement is
relevant, as showing A’s motive for the assault, an evidence may be given of it, though no other evidence is given
about the letter.
Section 145
It provides that a witness may be cross examined as to previous statements made by him in writing and if he is to
be cross examined over oral statements, which were reduced to writing, his notice shall be brought to such parts
of writing before the writing is to be proved. A witness can only be contradicted over previous statements made
by him, not subsequent.

9. Lawful Questions
Except for the questions already permitted through different sections of the act, the following questions can also
be put up in cross-examination, under Section 146:
• To test a witness’ veracity(accuracy) or truthfulness
• To know who he is and what his position is in life
• To shake his credit by injuring his character
These questions can be asked even if, directly or indirectly, the witness is criminated or is exposed to penalty or
forfeiture. The witness may also be compelled to answer these questions as per the conditions of certain sections.

10. Compelled To Answer
Section 132
It provides for compelling of a witness to give answers to the question that are relevant to the matter in issue.
This cannot be excused on the ground that such answer would give rise to witness’ liability, criminal or civil. If the
witness is forced to give an answer, the same shall not be used as evidence against him in any case, provided, the
evidence so provided was not false.
Section 147
It provides that if any such lawful question is relevant to the suit or proceeding, the provisions of section 132 will
apply.
Section 148
It provides protection against aggressive cross-examination. If a person’s character is in question, to shake his
credit, the court may, while exercising its discretion, warn the witness that he is not obliged to answer. Provided
the court considers the questions that were asked were irrelevant to prove his credibility or far too remote in time
or those which would not affect at all or slightly affect the witness’ credibility as to the matter to which he is
giving evidence.

11. Reasonable Ground
Section 149
It provides that if there is no reasonable ground to convey an imputation(a
charge or claim that someone has done something undesirable) under section
148, the questions are not to be asked. This section also safeguards a witness
against damaging of character. Illustration (c) to this section makes it clear: A
witness, of whom nothing whatever is known, is asked at random whether he is a
dacoit. There are here no reasonable grounds for the question.
Section 150
It lays duty of a counsel in questioning a witness’ character. If a barrister, pleader,
vakil or attorney questions a witness’ character without a reasonable ground, the
same shall be reported to the High Court or any authority to which he is subject.

12. Questions Forbidden
Section 151
It confers the court with the power to forbid questions that are indecent(rude) and scandalous(dishonourable).
These questions might be related to the matter in hand and may only be allowed if they relate to the fact in issue
or are necessary in determining whether some fact in issue existed.
Section 152
It empowers the court to forbid questions that are meant to insult or to annoy. Even if the question might be
proper, the court can reject it if it is needlessly offensive.
Section 153
It provides for protection of a witness’ character. If a witness has answered a question as to his credit, no evidence
shall be admissible to contradict his answer. This section has two exceptions, first, if he lies about his former
conviction and second, to impeach his impartiality; evidence may be provided to contradict both these claims.
Though no evidence is admissible to contradict a witness’ claim as to his credit, if the witness has lied, he can be
separately charged for producing false evidence.

13. Section 154
It allows for the party, who has called upon a witness, to put up any questions to the witness as could be asked to
him during cross examination. This section brings under its purview, the concept of a hostile witness. It has been
defined by the Supreme Court , as one who is not desirous of telling the truth at the instance of the party calling
him.
Section 155
• The credit of a witness can be impeached in the following ways. It is usually impeached by the adverse party but if
the witness becomes hostile, his credit can be impeached by the party who called him:
• By producing witnesses who testify from their personal knowledge of the witness that such person is unworthy of
credit. The produced witnesses must have personal knowledge of the witness they are testifying against.
• By showing that the witness was bribed or has taken an offer to receive a bribe or has some other corrupt
inducement.
• By citing earlier statements of the witness which contradicts him, only to the extent which section 153 permits.

14. CORROBORATION OF EVIDENCE
Section 156
It provides that a witness may be questioned about circumstances, apart from the main event, with the intention
to corroborate evidence provided by him and the court shall permit it if it deems that these questions will help
corroborate his testimony in reference to the relevant facts.
Section 157
It states that a former statement of a witness can be used to corroborate testimony of the witness in relation to a
common subject matter.
Section 158
It says that statements relevant under section 32 or 33 (like, a dying declaration), that have been proved, all
matters which confirm or contradict the statement, can be proved. Evidence can also be given to impeach the
credit of the person who made such statement, to the extent as if that person had appeared as a witness.

15. PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS
Section 162
When a witness has been called upon to produce a document, he is bound to produce it. Any objection to it shall
be dealt with by the court and to determine its admissibility, the court shall inspect it, except when it refers to
matters of state.
Section 163
It requires the party (A), who has given notice to the other party (B) to provide certain documents, to produce
such documents after initial inspection in the court, as evidence if the party (B) asks so.
Section 164
If, under the previous section, party B denies to provide A with the required documents, the same cannot be
produced in court by B without A’s permission.
Section 165
This section provides for the power of court to question. A judge can, in order to obtain proof of relevant facts,
ask any question he pleases, be it relevant or irrelevant to the case. It may be asked any time and may take any
form and be directed at a witness or a party. The judge can though, not compel the witness to answer and the
judgement should be based upon the facts which have been declared relevant under the IEA.

16. CONCLUSION
While safeguarding the social life of a witness, the act serves justice to
the fullest extent. By omitting and adding certain provisions, the act is
indeed keeping up with the modern times.
Moreover, forensic science capability is important because it may yield
information that is more accurate, precise, and reliable than
eyewitness testimony or even confessions. Such information, in turn,
can increase the success of both investigations and trials in
determining the facts of the case.