Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
Full Text
A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made by him in writing or reduced into writing, and relevant to matters in question, without such writing being shown to him, or being proved; but, if it is intended to contradict him by the writing, his attention must, before the writing can be proved, be called to those parts of it which are to be used for the purpose of contradicting him.
Plain English Summary
Allows a witness to be cross-examined about their past written statements without showing them, but requires drawing their attention to specific parts if used to contradict them.
Key Legal Elements
- Allows cross-examining a witness about their previous written/recorded statements without showing them the document first.
- If the goal is to formally contradict the witness, their attention must be specifically drawn to the exact contradictory parts.
- Requires that the witness be given an opportunity to explain the discrepancy before the contradiction can be formally proved on record.
Practical Note
This section is the trial lawyer's primary weapon for exposing lies and inconsistencies. When a witness changes their story in court from what they told the police (Section 161 CrPC / Section 180 BNSS) or in a prior deposition, you must follow the strict 'contradiction ritual' under this section. First, ask them if they made the statement. If they deny it, you must draw their attention specifically to the exact passage in their prior writing and ask them to explain the variance. Failing to draw their attention under Section 148 renders the contradiction legally useless and inadmissible during final arguments.
हिंदी पाठ
किसी साक्षी की, उन लिखित या लेखबद्ध किए गए पूर्व कथनों के बारे में जो प्रश्नगत विषयों से सुसंगत हों, उसे वह लेख दिखाए बिना या उसे साबित किए बिना प्रतिपरीक्षा की जा सकेगी; किंतु यदि उस लेख द्वारा उसका खंडन करने का आशय है, तो वह लेख साबित किए जाने से पहले उसका ध्यान उसके उन भागों की ओर आकर्षित करना होगा जिनका उपयोग उसका खंडन करने के प्रयोजन के लिए किया जाना है।