Section 84 IEA: Presumption as to collections of laws and reports of decisions
Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Section 84 IEA at a Glance
Section 84 IEA deals with presumption as to collections of laws and reports of decisions. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 83 BSA.
Section 84 IEA Bare Act Text
84. Presumption as to collections of laws and reports of decisions
The Court shall presume the genuineness of every book purporting to be printed or published under the authority of the Government of any country, and to contain any of the laws of that country, and of every book purporting to contain reports of decisions of the Courts of such country.
Source: Section 84, Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Section 84 IEA in Simple Words
Section 84 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 requires a court to presume (accept as true) the genuineness of certain law books and law report books. When a party brings such a book to court, the court must treat the book itself as genuine.
The rule covers every book that purports (appears on its face) to have been printed or published by authority of the government in any country. That book must also purport to hold laws from that country.
Section 84 IEA also covers every book that purports to hold reports of court decisions from such a country. Because the Act refers to any country, the presumption applies to domestic and foreign books alike.
When Section 84 IEA Applies
- Applies to a court whenever a qualifying book of laws or book of court decisions is placed before it.
- Applies when a book appears on its face as printed or published with government authority from any country and holds laws from that country.
- Applies when a book appears on its face to hold reports of court decisions from that country.
Example of Section 84 IEA
Section 84 IEA in the BSA
Section 84 IEA is now covered under Section 83 BSA.
Section 84 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 83 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.
View detailed comparison (IEA 84 vs BSA 83) →FAQs on Section 84 IEA
What is Section 84 IEA?▼
Section 84 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 is a rule that requires a court to presume the genuineness of certain law books and law report books. It applies to books that appear on their face as printed or published by government authority in any country and holding laws of that country, and to books that appear to hold reports of court decisions from that country.
Can a court refuse to presume the genuineness of a qualifying law book under Section 84 IEA?▼
No. Section 84 IEA states that the court must presume the genuineness of every book that meets the conditions in the Act. The presumption is mandatory for the court.
Does Section 84 IEA cover law books and court decision reports from foreign countries?▼
Yes. Section 84 IEA refers to the government and courts of any country. It applies to books holding laws or reports of court decisions from foreign countries as well as India.
What is Section 84 IEA in BSA?▼
Section 83 BSA. Section 84 IEA became Section 83 BSA on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.
Have questions about Section 84 IEA?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Evidence Act, 1872 ·