Section 139 BSA: Number of witnesses

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 139 BSA at a Glance

Section 139 BSA deals with number of witnesses. It replaced Section 134 IEA on 1 July 2024.

Was IEA

Section 134 →

Section 139 BSA Bare Act Text

139. Number of witnesses

No particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.

Source: Section 139, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 139 BSA in Simple Words

Section 139 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 states that proving a fact requires no fixed count of witnesses. Under the Adhiniyam, a party can prove a fact in court without calling a set count of people to testify.

Section 139 BSA applies from 1 July 2024 in every case. The Adhiniyam does not demand a minimum count of witnesses before a court can treat a fact as proved.

The rule covers proving any fact in dispute. A party does not fail on an issue merely for examining a single witness instead of several witnesses. Under Section 139 BSA, the law sets no required witness count for proving a fact.

When Section 139 BSA Applies

  • Applies in every case before a court where a fact has to be proved.
  • Applies to the proof of any fact by a party.
  • Allows a fact to be proved without requiring any fixed count of witnesses.

Example of Section 139 BSA

In August 2024, Priya files a suit in a court in Jaipur to prove that Ramesh delivered goods to a shop. Anita witnessed the delivery and testifies in court, while Priya calls no other witness. Ramesh objects that the delivery of the goods cannot be proved by a single witness. Under Section 139 BSA, the court can accept the delivery of the goods as proved because no fixed count of witnesses is needed to prove a fact.

Section 139 BSA in the IEA (Previous Law)

Section 139 BSA replaces Section 134 IEA from the old criminal code.

Section 134 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 139 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.

FAQs on Section 139 BSA

What is Section 139 BSA?▼

Section 139 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is the rule on how many witnesses are required to prove a fact. It states that no specific count of witnesses is needed in any case to prove any fact.

Can a fact be proved through a single witness under Section 139 BSA?▼

Yes. Section 139 BSA states that no fixed count of witnesses is required to prove a fact.

Does Section 139 BSA apply to all cases?▼

Yes. The text states that no fixed count of witnesses is required in any case for proving any fact.

What is Section 139 BSA in IEA?▼

Section 134 IEA. Section 134 IEA became Section 139 BSA on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 ·