Section O18R12Procedural
Remarks on demeanour of witnesses
Full Text
The Court may record such remarks as it thinks material respecting the demeanour of any witness while under examination.
Plain English Summary
Empowers the presiding judge to make notes on the physical demeanour, hesitation, evasiveness, or emotional conduct of a witness while testifying.
Key Legal Elements
- Demeanour Observation: Covers long hesitations, trembling, glancing at counsel, or arrogant refusal.
- Weight in Appellate Court: Gives the trial judge's credibility assessment immense weight in appeal (*Sarju Pershad v. Jwaleshwari, AIR 1951 SC 120*).
Practical Note
Invoking Demeanour Notes: If a hostile witness takes 5 minutes of silence before answering an uncomfortable question or consults their phone, request the Judge: 'May the witness's prolonged silence and hesitation be noted on the deposition sheet under Order XVIII Rule 12 CPC'.
हिंदी पाठ
न्यायालय किसी साक्षी की परीक्षा के दौरान उसकी भाव-भंगिमा (Demeanour) के संबंध में ऐसी टिप्पणियां लिख सकेगा जिन्हें वह तात्त्विक समझे।