IEA 73→BSA 72

IEA 73 to BSA 72: Comparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or proved

Section 73 IEA (1872) replaced by Section 72 BSA (2023)

View IEA Section 73 →View BSA Section 72 →

IEA 73 to BSA 72 at a Glance

Section 73 IEA (Comparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or proved) is now Section 72 BSA, in force from 1 July 2024. Only the section number changed.

What Changed From IEA 73 to BSA 72?

Section 73 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 72 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording. The text is now set out in numbered sub-sections.

IEA 73 vs BSA 72: Comparison Table

AspectIEA 1872 (repealed)BSA 2023 (in force)
Section7372
HeadingComparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or provedSame
Sub-sectionsNone3 sub-sections

IEA 73 and BSA 72: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IEA 1872 (repealed)

Section 73, IEA 1872

73. Comparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or proved.—In order to ascertain whether a signature, writing, or seal is that of the person by whom it purports to have been written or made, any signature, writing, or seal admitted or proved to the satisfaction of the Court to have been written or made by that person may be compared with the one which is to be proved, although that signature, writing, or seal has not been produced or proved for any other purpose. The Court may direct any person present in Court to write any words or figures for the purpose of enabling the Court to compare the words or figures so written with any words or figures alleged to have been written by such person. This section applies also, with any necessary modifications, to finger-impressions.
BSA 2023 (in force)

Section 72, BSA 2023

72. Comparison of signature, writing or seal with others admitted or proved.—(1) In order to ascertain whether a signature, writing or seal is that of the person by whom it purports to have been written or made, any signature, writing, or seal admitted or proved to the satisfaction of the Court to have been written or made by that person may be compared with the one which is to be proved, although that signature, writing or seal has not been produced or proved for any other purpose. (2) The Court may direct any person present in Court to write any words or figures for the purpose of enabling the Court to compare the words or figures so written with any words or figures alleged to have been written by such person. (3) This section applies also, with any necessary modifications, to finger impressions.

When It Applies: IEA 73 vs BSA 72

Under IEA 73
  1. When it must be found out whether a signature, writing, or seal was really made by the person who is claimed to have made it.
  2. A sample signature, writing, or seal that is admitted, or proved so that the court is satisfied, as coming from that person can be compared with the disputed one, even if the sample was not brought in or proved for another reason.
  3. The court can order any person who is present in the courtroom to write words or figures so the court can compare that sample with the disputed writing.
  4. The rule also covers finger-impressions, with any needed adjustments.
Under BSA 72
  1. Under Section 72(1) BSA, when it must be found out whether a signature, writing, or seal was really made by the person who is claimed to have made it.
  2. Under Section 72(1) BSA, a sample signature, writing, or seal that is admitted, or proved so that the court is satisfied, as coming from that person can be compared with the disputed one, even if the sample was not brought in or proved for another reason.
  3. Under Section 72(2) BSA, the court can order any person who is present in the courtroom to write words or figures so the court can compare that sample with the disputed writing.
  4. Under Section 72(3) BSA, the rule also covers finger impressions, with any needed adjustments.

What IEA 73 to BSA 72 Means in Practice

The same rule applies without any change in wording, with the paragraphs of Section 73 IEA set out as sub-sections (1), (2), and (3) of Section 72 BSA. For matters governed by the Adhiniyam, a party or witness in court should cite Section 72 BSA.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 ·