VidhiSangh

Indian Evidence Act, 1872

Section 164: Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on notice

Repealed. Repealed from 1 July 2024. Use it for proceedings preserved by BSA section 170, including specified matters that were pending immediately before commencement.

Part III — Production and Effect of Evidence

164. When a party refuses to produce a document which he has had notice to produce, he cannot afterwards use the document as evidence without the consent of the other party or the order of the Court.

Illustration A sues B on an agreement and gives B notice to produce it. At the trial A calls for the document and B refuses to produce it. A gives secondary evidence of its contents. B seeks to produce the document itself to contradict the secondary evidence given by A, or in order to show that the agreement is not stamped. He cannot do so.

Source: official text of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.