IEA 76 to BSA 75: Certified copies of public documents
Section 76 IEA (1872) replaced by Section 75 BSA (2023)
IEA 76 to BSA 75 at a Glance
Section 76 IEA (Certified copies of public documents) is now Section 75 BSA, in force from 1 July 2024. Only the section number changed.
What Changed From IEA 76 to BSA 75?
Section 76 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 75 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024. No substantive change. Spelling edits only.
IEA 76 vs BSA 75: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IEA 1872 (repealed) | BSA 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 76 | 75 |
| Heading | Certified copies of public documents | Same |
IEA 76 and BSA 75: Bare Act Text Side by Side
IEA 1872 (repealed)
Section 76, IEA 1872
76. Certified copies of public documents.—Every public officer having the custody of a public document, which any person has a right to inspect, shall give that person on demand a copy of it on payment of the legal fees there for, together with a certificate written at the foot of such copy that it is a true copy of such document or part thereof, as the case may be, and such certificate shall be dated and subscribed by such officer with his name and his official title, and shall be sealed, whenever such officer is authorized by law to make use of a seal; and such copies so certified shall be called certified copies.
Explanation.—Any officer who, by the ordinary course of official duty, is authorized to deliver such copies, shall be deemed to have the custody of such documents within the meaning of this section.
BSA 2023 (in force)
Section 75, BSA 2023
75. Certified copies of public documents.—Every public officer having the custody of a public document, which any person has a right to inspect, shall give that person on demand a copy of it on payment of the legal fees therefor, together with a certificate written at the foot of such copy that it is a true copy of such document or part thereof, as the case may be, and such certificate shall be dated and subscribed by such officer with his name and his official title, and shall be sealed, whenever such officer is authorised by law to make use of a seal; and such copies so certified shall be called certified copies.
Explanation.—Any officer who, by the ordinary course of official duty, is authorised to deliver such copies, shall be deemed to have the custody of such documents within the meaning of this section.
When It Applies: IEA 76 vs BSA 75
Under IEA 76
- A person holds a right to inspect a public document kept by a public officer.
- The person demands a copy of the public document and pays the required legal fees.
- The public officer writes a certificate at the bottom of the copy confirming that the copy is a true copy, dates and signs it with the name and official title of the officer, and seals it if the law allows the officer to use a seal.
- An officer whose regular official duty includes issuing such copies is treated by law as having custody of the public documents.
Under BSA 75
- A person holds a right to inspect a public document kept by a public officer.
- The person demands a copy of the public document and pays the required legal fees.
- The public officer writes a certificate at the bottom of the copy confirming that the copy is a true copy, dates and signs it with the name and official title of the officer, and seals it if the law allows the officer to use a seal.
- An officer whose regular official duty includes issuing such copies is treated by law as having custody of the public documents.
What IEA 76 to BSA 75 Means in Practice
The rule on certified copies of public documents is unchanged, with only minor spelling edits in the text. The same rule applies, and a reader should cite Section 75 BSA for matters governed by the 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 ·