Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 · Chapter II: Relevancy of Facts · Opinions of third persons when relevant
Section 43: Opinion as to usages, tenets, etc., when relevant
In plain words
The opinions of people with special knowledge are relevant on the usages and beliefs of a group or family, the constitution and running of a religious or charitable foundation, and the meaning of words used in particular districts or by particular classes of people.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
When the Court has to form an opinion as to—
(i) the usages and tenets of any body of men or family;
(ii) the constitution and governance of any religious or charitable foundation; or
(iii) the meaning of words or terms used in particular districts or by particular classes of people,
the opinions of persons having special means of knowledge thereon, are relevant facts.
Corresponding sections were matched by comparing the wording of both official texts, and for the IPC and BNS, also against a published correspondence table. Wording, punishments and structure often changed, so read both sections before relying on the match.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 25 August 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 43
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.