Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Cross-Examination on Previous Written Statements (Section 145 IEA / Section 140 BSA)
Evidentiary Rules & Proof Standards
Definition
The statutory procedure allowing a witness to be cross-examined as to previous statements made by them in writing (e.g., Section 161 CrPC police statements or letters), requiring that their attention must be drawn to those specific parts before the writing can be proved to contradict them.
Example
In Tahsildar Singh v. State of U.P., the Supreme Court laid down the strict procedural mechanism under Section 145 IEA for confronting a witness with omissions and contradictions appearing in their previous police diary statements.