Law of Evidence
To modernise, update and reform the law of evidence in the country to address contemporary and future challenges by:
- Examining legal issues in application of exclusionary rules for admissibility of evidence under Chapter II of the Indian Evidence Act.
- Identifying and addressing challenges in the application of the law in issues arising out of weighing of probative value, requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, expert opinion, shifting of burden of proof and the law as to presumption of documents and facts.
- Addressing divergence of legal opinions on evidence law doctrines such as ‘fruits of the poisonous tree’ and ‘sealed cover’ in light of recent judicial developments.
- Updating the law to tackle issues emerging from technology driven advancements that impact the relevance and admissibility of electronic evidence under Chapter II and V of the Act.
- Examining provisions under the Act that require improvements streamlined with advances in forensic science.
- Examining the work and recommendations of previous Committees and Commissions on various aspects of the law of evidence;
- Aligning provisions of the Indian Evidence Act 1872 with judicial decisions in areas where the law is ambiguous.
- Reviewing reforms in evidence law undertaken in jurisdictions that operate under laws similar to the Indian Evidence Act 1872.
- Recommending such other reforms as may be necessary.