Bare Act of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 – Free PDF Download

BSA Bare Act: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) is one of the three new criminal laws that came into effect in India on July 1, 2024. It rep

Bare Act of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 – Free PDF Download

BSA Bare Act: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) is one of the three new criminal laws that came into effect in India on July 1, 2024. It replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and serves as the new framework for evidence law in the country.

This blog post will help you understand:

• What the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam is

• Why it was enacted

• Major changes from the old Evidence Act

• Structure and key sections

• How to download the Bare Act PDF of BSA, 2023

---

📜 What Is the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023?

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 is India’s new law of evidence, governing the admissibility, relevance, and presentation of evidence in criminal and civil courts.

This law repeals the colonial-era Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and introduces several new provisions to:

• Accommodate digital and electronic evidence

• Simplify procedures

• Make the justice system more reliable, inclusive, and tech-friendly

Download Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 Bare Act

---

📅 When Did It Come Into Effect?

• Passed by Parliament: December 2023

• Effective from: July 1, 2024

• Replaces: Indian Evidence Act, 1872

---

📘 Why Was the Evidence Act Replaced?

• The Indian Evidence Act (1872) was over 150 years old and based on colonial perspectives.

• It did not fully address modern technological advancements like emails, CCTV footage, and digital signatures.

• The BSA was created to reflect contemporary challenges, especially those involving cybercrimes, digital records, and electronic data.

---

🧱 Structure of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

• Total Chapters: 3

• Total Sections: 170

📖 Chapters in BSA:

1. Chapter I – Preliminary (definitions, applicability, and interpretation)

2. Chapter II – Relevancy of Facts (facts which may be proved or disproved in court)

3. Chapter III – On Proof (including documentary, oral, and electronic evidence)

---

🔍 Key Features of the BSA, 2023

✅ Admissibility of Digital Evidence

• Digital records such as emails, WhatsApp messages, CCTV footage, and cloud-based documents are now explicitly admissible in court.

✅ Use of Electronic Devices

• Evidence recorded via mobile phones, computers, tablets, body cams, drones, and similar devices can be presented during trials.

✅ Presumptions and Burden of Proof

• The Act lays down clear rules on who must prove what, including presumptions related to documents and electronic records.

✅ Presumptions for Electronic Agreements

• Contracts entered via e-mails or websites are treated with legal validity unless proved otherwise.

✅ Inclusion of Forensic and Scientific Evidence

• Greater reliance is placed on forensic reports, expert opinions, and scientific tools to determine authenticity.

✅ Cross-Examination Rules

• Enhanced rules on cross-examination and examination-in-chief have been introduced to ensure fair trial practices.

---

📘 Key Sections to Know in Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam

1. Section 2 – Definitions (includes terms like document, electronic record, etc.)

2. Section 4 – Relevancy of facts

3. Section 24–27 – Confession rules

4. Section 45 – Expert opinion and its admissibility

5. Section 65 – Admissibility of electronic records

6. Section 67 – Proof of signature and handwriting

7. Section 85 – Presumption as to electronic agreements

8. Section 88 – Presumption as to electronic messages

9. Section 112 – Presumption of legitimacy of child

10. Section 170 – Repeal of Indian Evidence Act, 1872

---

📥 How to Download Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 Bare Act PDF

To download the official BSA Bare Act PDF, you can:

• Visit any trusted government legal portal like India Code or Ministry of Home Affairs

• Search online using this phrase:
  “Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 Bare Act PDF site:gov.in”

• Look for versions available in both Hindi and English

---

🎓 Who Should Read the BSA Bare Act?

• Law students (LLB, LLM)

• Judicial aspirants (PCS-J, APO, HJS, UPSC)

• Legal professionals and advocates

• Police officers, investigation agencies, and forensic experts

• Paralegals and law professors

---

🧠 Importance of Studying the BSA Bare Act

• It is now the only valid law on evidence in India

• Essential for criminal, civil, and cyber law cases

• Critical for those appearing in competitive exams or judicial interviews

• Helps build conceptual clarity on proof, relevance, and admissibility

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam mean?

It means "Indian Evidence Act" in Hindi — the BSA replaces the old Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

Q2. Is BSA applicable across India?

Yes. It is applicable throughout India from July 1, 2024.

Q3. Can digital evidence be used in court under BSA?

Yes. The BSA has clear provisions for accepting electronic records, digital agreements, and messages.

Q4. Is the old Indian Evidence Act still valid?

No. It has been repealed and replaced entirely by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Q5. Is this Bare Act available in Hindi?

Yes. The PDF can be downloaded in both English and Hindi from official sources.

---

✍️ Conclusion

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a major step toward building a modern and transparent criminal justice system in India. Whether you are a law student, legal researcher, or judicial aspirant, it is vital to read and understand the Bare Act PDF thoroughly. Stay updated, stay informed, and adapt to India’s new evidence law.

---

🔎 Related Posts on BARRISTERY:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Explained

• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – Full Guide

• How to Read a Bare Act for Judiciary Preparation

• Top 20 Bare Acts Every Law Student Must Read