BNSS Section 330 — No formal proof of certain documents

CHAPTER XXV EVIDENCE IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS

Criminal

Summary

When a document is filed in court by either the prosecution or the accused, it must be listed, and the person who filed it or their lawyer must be asked to admit or deny whether the document is genuine. This must happen soon after the documents are given, and no later than 30 days after that, though the court can extend this time for reasons it writes down. If no one disputes that a document is genuine, it can be used as evidence without needing to prove the signature on it, unless the court decides otherwise. An expert does not have to appear in court unless their report is challenged by one of the parties.

Official Text

(1) Where any document is filed before any Court by the prosecution or the accused, the particulars of every such document shall be included in a list and the prosecution or the accused or the advocate for the prosecution or the accused, if any, shall be called upon to admit or deny the genuineness of each such document soon after supply of such documents and in no case later than thirty days after such supply:

Provided that the Court may, in its discretion, relax the time limit with reasons to be recorded in writing:

Provided further that no expert shall be called to appear before the Court unless the report of such expert is disputed by any of the parties to the trial.

(2) The list of documents shall be in such form as the State Government may, by rules, provide.

(3) Where the genuineness of any document is not disputed, such document may be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Sanhita without proof of the signature of the person by whom it purports to be signed:

Provided that the Court may, in its discretion, require such signature to be proved.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • CrPC §294 — No formal proof of certain documents