Section 30 BSA: Relevancy of statements in maps, charts and plans

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 30 BSA at a Glance

Section 30 BSA deals with relevancy of statements in maps, charts and plans. It replaced Section 36 IEA on 1 July 2024.

Was IEA

Section 36 →

Section 30 BSA Bare Act Text

30. Relevancy of statements in maps, charts and plans

Statements of facts in issue or relevant facts, made in published maps or charts generally offered for public sale, or in maps or plans made under the authority of the Central Government or any State Government, as to matters usually represented or stated in such maps, charts or plans, are themselves relevant facts.

Source: Section 30, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 30 BSA in Simple Words

Section 30 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 makes statements in qualifying maps, charts, and plans relevant facts in court. A party can rely on these documents when they state a fact in issue or a relevant fact.

The rule covers published maps or charts that are offered for sale to the public at large. It also covers maps or plans prepared with the authority of the Central Government or a State Government.

The statement must concern matters that are ordinarily shown or recorded in those plans, charts, or maps. When these conditions are met, the statement itself is a relevant fact under the Adhiniyam.

When Section 30 BSA Applies

  • The map, chart, or plan contains a statement about a fact in issue or a relevant fact.
  • The statement is in a published map or chart that is offered for sale to the public.
  • Alternatively, the statement is in a map or plan prepared with the authority of the Central Government or a State Government.
  • The statement relates to matters that are ordinarily shown or recorded in those plans, charts, or maps.

Example of Section 30 BSA

In 2025, a published city map offered for sale to the public shows the location of a railway station road in Chennai. Anita and Farhan dispute in a Chennai court whether that road connects directly to the station entrance. Anita produces the published city map to show the road layout. Because street locations are matters ordinarily shown in city maps and the map is published and offered for sale to the public, the statement in the published city map is a relevant fact under Section 30 BSA.

Section 30 BSA in the IEA (Previous Law)

Section 30 BSA replaces Section 36 IEA from the old criminal code.

Section 36 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 30 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.

FAQs on Section 30 BSA

What is Section 30 BSA?▼

Section 30 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 makes statements of a fact in issue or a relevant fact in qualifying maps, charts, or plans relevant facts. It covers published maps or charts offered for sale to the public, as well as maps or plans prepared with Central Government or State Government authority, on matters ordinarily shown in them.

Does a published chart or map need government approval to be relevant under Section 30 BSA?▼

No. Published maps or charts offered for sale to the public at large qualify on that basis alone, provided the statement concerns matters ordinarily shown in those maps or charts.

Are maps or plans made under Central Government or State Government authority covered even if not sold to the public?▼

Yes. Maps or plans prepared with the authority of the Central Government or a State Government form a separate category under Section 30 BSA and do not need to be offered for public sale.

What is Section 30 BSA in IEA?▼

Section 36 IEA. Section 30 BSA keeps the exact wording of Section 36 IEA.

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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 ·