IEA §137 → BSA §143
Examination-in-chief. Cross-examination. Re-examination
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Comparison
137. Examination-in-chief. –– The examination of witness by the party who calls him shall be called his examination-in-chief. Cross-examination. –– The examination of a witness by the adverse party shall be called his cross-examination. Re-examination. ––The examination of a witness, subsequent to the cross-examination by the party who called him, shall be called his re-examination.
143.
(1) Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so desires) cross-examined, then (if the party calling him so desires) re-examined.
(2) The examination-in-chief and cross-examination must relate to relevant facts, but the cross-examination need not be confined to the facts to which the witness testified on his examination-in-chief.
(3) The re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred to in cross-examination; and, if new matter is, by permission of the Court, introduced in re-examination, the adverse party may further cross-examine upon that matter.
What changedAI-inferred
Examination-in-chief; cross-examination; re-examination.
Old position
IEA 137 is concerned with Examination-in-chief. Cross-examination. Re-examination. Examination-in-chief
New position
BSA 143 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: (1) Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so Cross- desires).... Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so desires) cross-examined, then (if the party calling him so desires) re-examined
BSA 143 ((1) Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so Cross- desires)...) preserves the framework of IEA 137. BSA 143 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. ...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BSA 143 ((1) Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so Cross- desires)...) preserves the framework of IEA 137. BSA 143 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BSA 143 text: Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so desires) cross-examined, then (if the party calling him so desires) re-examined.(2) The examination-in-chief and cross-examination must relate to relevant facts, but the cross-examination need not be confined to the facts to which the witness...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IEA 137 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BSA 143 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BSA 143 ((1) Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so Cross- desires)...). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IEA §137 → BSA §143 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-15, https://newlaws.in/iea/137.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.