Evidence Act 1872 Section 134
Evidence Act 1872 Section 134 defines the term 'evidence' as all statements, documents, and material presented to prove facts in court.
Evidence Act Section 134 defines what constitutes evidence in legal proceedings. It includes all statements, documents, and material objects presented to prove or disprove facts in a case. Understanding this section is crucial for lawyers and judges to determine what can be considered during trial.
This section forms the foundation of the entire Evidence Act by clarifying the scope of evidence. It guides courts on what materials are admissible to establish facts and supports fair adjudication in civil and criminal matters.
Evidence Act Section 134 – Exact Provision
This section broadly categorizes evidence into oral, documentary, and material objects. It clarifies that evidence is not limited to spoken words but also includes written and physical items presented during trial. This helps courts evaluate all relevant proof comprehensively.
Defines evidence as oral statements, documents, and material objects.
Includes electronic records within documentary evidence.
Establishes the scope of admissible proof in court.
Forms the basis for evidence evaluation in trials.
Explanation of Evidence Act Section 134
Section 134 explains what is legally recognized as evidence in court proceedings. It affects all parties involved in litigation, including accused persons, witnesses, lawyers, and judges.
Oral evidence: Statements made by witnesses during trial.
Documentary evidence: Written documents and electronic records submitted for inspection.
Material objects: Physical items produced as proof.
Applies to civil and criminal cases alike.
Determines what the court may consider to establish facts.
Purpose and Rationale of Evidence Act Section 134
This section aims to clearly define the types of evidence courts can consider. It ensures that all relevant proof—spoken, written, or physical—is included to aid fair decision-making and prevent exclusion of valid material.
Ensures comprehensive inclusion of proof types.
Promotes fairness by recognizing diverse evidence forms.
Prevents arbitrary exclusion of relevant materials.
Supports accurate fact-finding by courts.
When Evidence Act Section 134 Applies
Section 134 applies whenever evidence is presented in court during civil or criminal proceedings. It is invoked by parties submitting proof and guides courts in assessing admissibility.
Applicable in all judicial proceedings involving fact inquiry.
Used by litigants to present proof.
Relevant during trial, inquiry, and appeal stages.
Applies to oral, documentary, and material evidence.
No exceptions; foundational for evidence evaluation.
Burden and Standard of Proof under Evidence Act Section 134
While Section 134 defines what evidence is, it does not assign burden of proof or standards. Those are covered under other sections like 101–114. The party who asserts a fact must prove it by admissible evidence as defined here.
Defines evidence but not burden of proof.
Standard depends on case type: beyond reasonable doubt (criminal) or preponderance (civil).
Interacts with Sections 101–114 on presumptions and proof.
Nature of Evidence under Evidence Act Section 134
Section 134 covers the nature of evidence broadly, including oral, documentary, and material objects. It sets no limitations on types but requires evidence to be presented before the court for inspection.
Includes oral statements by witnesses.
Documents and electronic records as documentary evidence.
Physical objects as material evidence.
Must be presented and inspected in court.
Stage of Proceedings Where Evidence Act Section 134 Applies
This section applies primarily during the trial stage when evidence is formally presented. It also guides admissibility during inquiry and appeal if evidence is challenged.
Trial stage: Presentation and inspection of evidence.
Inquiry stage: Preliminary examination of proof.
Appeal stage: Review of admissibility and sufficiency.
Cross-examination: Oral evidence evaluation.
Appeal and Challenge Options under Evidence Act Section 134
Rulings on evidence admissibility under this section can be challenged via appeal or revision. Higher courts review whether evidence was properly considered and if legal definitions were correctly applied.
Appeal courts examine admissibility decisions.
Revision may be sought for procedural errors.
Higher courts ensure correct application of evidence definitions.
Timely challenges required within procedural limits.
Example of Evidence Act Section 134 in Practical Use
During a theft trial, person X submits CCTV footage (documentary evidence) and a witness’s testimony (oral evidence) to prove the accused’s presence. The court inspects both as evidence under Section 134 to establish facts.
Demonstrates inclusion of multiple evidence types.
Shows court’s role in inspecting and evaluating evidence.
Historical Background of Evidence Act Section 134
Introduced in 1872, Section 134 was designed to clarify what constitutes evidence in courts. Historically, courts struggled with inconsistent definitions, so this section standardized the concept. It has evolved to include electronic records reflecting technological advances.
Established foundational evidence definition in 1872.
Addressed prior inconsistencies in proof concepts.
Amended to include electronic records with digital progress.
Modern Relevance of Evidence Act Section 134
In 2026, Section 134 remains vital as courts increasingly handle digital and electronic evidence. It supports e-courts by recognizing electronic records as documentary evidence, ensuring modern proof methods are legally valid.
Recognizes digital and electronic evidence.
Supports judicial reforms towards e-courts.
Ensures admissibility of new evidence forms.
Maintains relevance in evolving legal landscape.
Related Evidence Act Sections
- Evidence Act Section 3 – Interpretation Clause
– Provides definitions for terms used throughout the Act, complementing Section 134’s definition of evidence.
- Evidence Act Section 59 – Oral Evidence
– Details rules regarding oral evidence, a key category defined in Section 134.
- Evidence Act Section 61 – Documentary Evidence
– Governs the admissibility and proof of documents, expanding on Section 134’s inclusion of documentary evidence.
- Evidence Act Section 65B – Electronic Records
– Specifies conditions for admissibility of electronic evidence, directly linked to Section 134’s scope.
- Evidence Act Section 101 – Burden of Proof
– Explains who must prove facts, interacting with the evidence defined in Section 134.
- CrPC Section 311 – Power to Summon Witnesses
– Allows courts to summon witnesses whose oral evidence falls under Section 134.
Case References under Evidence Act Section 134
- State of Maharashtra v. Praful B. Desai (2003, 4 SCC 601)
– Affirmed the broad scope of evidence including electronic records under Section 134.
- Shafhi Mohammad v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2018, 7 SCC 780)
– Emphasized the importance of oral and documentary evidence as defined in Section 134.
- K.A. Abbas v. Union of India (1971, AIR 481)
– Recognized material objects as valid evidence under Section 134.
Key Facts Summary for Evidence Act Section 134
- Section:
134
- Title:
Definition of Evidence
- Category:
Definition, Relevance, Admissibility
- Applies To:
Accused, witnesses, litigants, courts
- Proceeding Type:
Civil and criminal trials, inquiries, appeals
- Interaction With:
Sections 3, 59, 61, 65B, 101–114
- Key Use:
Establishes what constitutes evidence for proof in court
Conclusion on Evidence Act Section 134
Section 134 of the Evidence Act 1872 is fundamental in defining what evidence means in Indian courts. It ensures that oral statements, documents, and material objects are all recognized as valid proof. This clarity supports fair and comprehensive fact-finding in both civil and criminal cases.
Understanding this section helps legal practitioners present and challenge evidence effectively. It also guides courts in evaluating diverse proof forms, including modern electronic records, maintaining the integrity of judicial processes in 2026 and beyond.
FAQs on Evidence Act Section 134
What types of evidence does Section 134 include?
Section 134 includes oral evidence (witness statements), documentary evidence (documents and electronic records), and material objects presented for court inspection.
Does Section 134 determine who has the burden of proof?
No, Section 134 defines what evidence is but does not assign the burden of proof. Burden and standards are covered under other sections like 101 to 114.
Are electronic records considered evidence under Section 134?
Yes, electronic records are included as documentary evidence under Section 134, reflecting modern legal recognition of digital proof.
When does Section 134 apply during legal proceedings?
It applies during the trial, inquiry, and appeal stages whenever evidence is presented or its admissibility is questioned.
Can rulings on evidence under Section 134 be challenged?
Yes, parties can challenge admissibility rulings through appeals or revisions, and higher courts review such decisions for correctness.