Evidence as to affairs of State
Full Text
No one shall be permitted to give any evidence derived from unpublished official records relating to any affairs of State, except with the permission of the officer at the head of the department concerned, who shall give or withhold such permission as he thinks fit.
Plain English Summary
Evidence from unpublished state records can only be given with the permission of the head of the concerned government department.
Key Legal Elements
- Relates to unpublished official records
- Pertains to affairs of State
- Permission required from Head of Department
- Discretion to grant or withhold permission
Practical Note
This protects sensitive government information from public disclosure in court. However, the 'absolute discretion' of the department head is subject to judicial review under modern constitutional law (e.g., the court can inspect the document in chambers to decide if the claim of privilege is valid).
हिंदी पाठ
राज्य के कार्यकलाप के बारे में साक्ष्य — कोई भी व्यक्ति राज्य के किसी कार्यकलाप से संबंधित अप्रकाशित शासकीय अभिलेखों से व्युत्पन्न कोई साक्ष्य देने के लिए अनुज्ञात नहीं किया जाएगा, सिवाय उस विभाग के प्रधान अधिकारी की अनुज्ञा के, जो ऐसी अनुज्ञा देगा या रोक लेगा जैसा वह ठीक समझे।