What is Section 150 BSA?

Section 150 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 states when a witness can be compelled to answer a question. It provides that if such a question concerns a matter that is relevant in the suit or the proceeding, the rules of Section 137 BSA apply to it.

Can a witness refuse to answer a question on a relevant matter under Section 150 BSA because the answer might criminate the witness?

No. Because Section 150 BSA applies Section 137 BSA, a witness is not excused from answering a question on a relevant matter on the ground that the answer might directly or indirectly criminate the witness or expose the witness to any penalty or forfeiture.

Can an answer that a witness is compelled to give under Section 150 BSA and Section 137 BSA be used against the witness in a criminal case?

No. Under the proviso to Section 137 BSA, an answer that a witness is compelled to give cannot subject the witness to arrest or prosecution or be proved against the witness in any criminal proceeding, except in a prosecution for giving false evidence through that answer.

What is Section 150 BSA in IEA?

Section 147 IEA. Section 150 BSA replaced Section 147 IEA on 1 July 2024 with no substantive change, applying Section 137 BSA in place of Section 132 IEA.

IEA 147 Is Now BSA 150: What Changed

Aspect	IEA 1872 (repealed)	BSA 2023 (in force)
Section	147	150
Heading	When witness to be compelled to answer	Same
Cross-references	s.132	s.137

Aspect

IEA 1872 (repealed)

BSA 2023 (in force)

Section

147

150

Heading

When witness to be compelled to answer

Same

Cross-references

s.132

s.137

IEA 147 and BSA 150: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IEA 1872 (repealed)

Section 147, IEA 1872

147. When witness to be compelled to answer.—If any such question relates to a matter relevant to the suit or proceeding, the provisions of section 132 shall apply thereto.

BSA 2023 (in force)

Section 150, BSA 2023

150. When witness to be compelled to answer.—If any such question relates to a matter relevant to the suit or proceeding, the provisions of section 137 shall apply thereto.

When It Applies: IEA 147 vs BSA 150

Under IEA 147

Applies when a witness is asked such a question in a suit or a proceeding.
The question must concern a matter that is relevant in the suit or the proceeding.
Section 132 IEA then applies, so the witness cannot refuse to answer on the ground that the answer might criminate the witness or expose the witness to any penalty or forfeiture, and a compelled answer cannot be used to arrest or prosecute the witness or be proved against the witness in a criminal case except for giving false evidence.

Under BSA 150

Applies when a witness is asked such a question in a suit or a proceeding.
The question must concern a matter that is relevant in the suit or the proceeding.
Section 137 BSA then applies, so the witness cannot refuse to answer on the ground that the answer might criminate the witness or expose the witness to any penalty or forfeiture, and a compelled answer cannot be used to arrest or prosecute the witness or be proved against the witness in a criminal case except for giving false evidence.

What IEA 147 to BSA 150 Means in Practice

Section 147 IEA became Section 150 BSA on 1 July 2024 with no substantive change, and the cross-reference to Section 132 IEA was updated to Section 137 BSA. The same rule applies, and a person in court should cite Section 150 BSA (read with Section 137 BSA) for matters governed by the Adhiniyam.

IEA 147 to BSA 150: When witness to be compelled to answer

IEA 147 to BSA 150 at a Glance

What Changed From IEA 147 to BSA 150?

IEA 147 vs BSA 150: Comparison Table

IEA 147 and BSA 150: Bare Act Text Side by Side

When It Applies: IEA 147 vs BSA 150

What IEA 147 to BSA 150 Means in Practice