Broken Chain
Definition
Any gap, ambiguity, or contradiction in the custody record that prevents the court from concluding the analysed item is the seized item.
Related terms
- Chain of Custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- Forwarding Memo
- The transmittal document that accompanies a sealed packet to the FSL. Most Indian states use a state-numbered Form carrying the IO's signature,...
- Sealed Packet Protocol
- The convention that every transfer of an evidence packet between custodians is logged, with the seal inspected and the inspection signed off...
- Seizure Memo (Panchnama)
- The on-scene record of items recovered, witnessed by independent panch witnesses. Signed by the IO and the panchas.
Explained in
- Chain of Custody: What Breaks It, and What Indian Courts Have SaidAny gap, ambiguity, or contradiction in the custody record that prevents the court from concluding the analysed item is the seized item.