BSA 2023 (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam)
Definition
India's evidence statute enacted in 2023, replacing the Indian Evidence Act 1872. Sections 39-46 govern expert testimony, including the admissibility and presentation of forensic chemistry opinions on firing distance, GSR, and related evidence in Indian courts.
- Enacted
- 2023
- Replaces
- Indian Evidence Act 1872
- Relevant sections
- Sections 39 to 46
- Covers
- Expert testimony admissibility
- Jurisdiction
- India
Common questions
What changed for forensic experts when the BSA replaced the Evidence Act?+
The rule that opinions of persons skilled in a science are relevant carried over largely unchanged, but the section numbering shifted and the new Act aligns expert evidence procedure with the accompanying BNSS and BNS reforms.
Does the BSA 2023 apply retroactively to older forensic reports?+
No, cases and evidence handled before 1 July 2024 continue to be governed by the Indian Evidence Act 1872 provisions in force when the evidence was collected or the trial began.
Related terms
- Azo Dye
- A class of organic dyes containing one or more azo groups (R-N=N-R'). Formed in the Griess test by coupling of a diazonium...
- Contact Wound
- A firearm wound produced when the muzzle is pressed against or within a few centimetres of the target surface. Characterised by a...
- DeHaan Modification
- A refinement of the Griess test procedure for forensic propellant residue detection, using a combined sulphanilic acid + NEDA reagent on filter...
- Modified Griess Test
- A contact-transfer colour chemistry test for nitrite-containing propellant combustion residue. Sulphanilic acid undergoes diazotisation with nitrous acid (from NO2 on the target...
- NEDA (N-(1-Naphthyl)ethylenediamine Dihydrochloride)
- The azo coupling component in the modified Griess test. After diazotisation of sulphanilic acid with nitrous acid, NEDA couples with the diazonium...
- NIJ Range Estimation Guidelines
- NIJ Standard 0612.00 (US National Institute of Justice). The primary US guidance document for firing-distance determination methodology, covering test-fire protocols, pattern comparison...
- Sodium Rhodizonate
- A chelating agent producing a scarlet-to-red colour with lead ions at acid pH. Applied to entry-wound margins and garment entry holes to...
- Stippling (Tattooing)
- Discrete punctate abrasions or haemorrhages around an entry wound from individual unburned propellant granules embedding in the epidermis at intermediate range. Unlike...
- Test-Fire Envelope
- The set of reference targets produced by firing the case weapon (or a ballistically equivalent substitute) loaded with the same ammunition at...