Question by party to his own witness
Full Text
(1) The Court may, in its discretion, permit the person who calls a witness to put any question to him which might be put in cross-examination by the adverse party.
(2) Nothing in this section shall disentitle the person so permitted under sub-section (1), to rely on any part of the evidence of such witness.
Plain English Summary
Allows a party, with the Court's permission, to cross-examine their own witness (hostile witness), and rely on any part of their testimony.
Key Legal Elements
- Empowers the Court to permit a party to cross-examine their own witness (often referred to as declaring a witness 'hostile').
- Ensures the party calling the witness can still rely on helpful portions of that witness's testimony.
- Maintains that declaring a witness hostile does not automatically wipe out their entire evidence; it remains subject to corroboration and judicial assessment.
Practical Note
This is the 'Hostile Witness' section (historically Section 154 IEA). When your own witness goes back on their previous statement or supports the opposite side in the witness box, you must immediately apply to the Court under Section 157(1) for permission to cross-examine them. Once permitted, you can ask leading questions and confront them with their past statements. Crucially, under sub-section (2), the testimony is not completely discarded; you can still rely on the parts that support your case. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the evidence of a hostile witness remains admissible and can be used for corroboration.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) न्यायालय स्वविवेक से उस व्यक्ति को, जिसने किसी साक्षी को बुलाया है, उससे कोई भी ऐसा प्रश्न पूछने की अनुज्ञा दे सकेगा जो प्रतिपक्षी द्वारा प्रतिपरीक्षा में पूछा जा सकता था।
(2) इस धारा की कोई भी बात उपधारा (1) के अधीन इस प्रकार अनुज्ञात व्यक्ति को ऐसे साक्षी के साक्ष्य के किसी भी भाग पर विश्वास (या निर्भर) करने से वंचित नहीं करेगी।