Section 54
Proof of facts by oral evidence
Reviewed by Ravi Sisodia · Last reviewed 10 October 2026
Official text of section 54 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Chapter IV: Of oral evidence), with the matching section of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Section 54, official text
All facts, except the contents of documents may be proved by oral evidence.
Source: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Act 47 of 2023), Gazette of India Extraordinary, in force from 1 July 2024. The signed Gazette controls.
Compared with the Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Section 54 replaces Section 59 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (“Proof of facts by oral evidence”). The wording is largely the same, with drafting changes such as renumbered or lettered sub-clauses and updated terms. The 1872 Act was repealed by section 170 of the Adhiniyam, which saves proceedings pending on 1 July 2024.
Nearby sections
- Section 52 — Facts of which Court shall take judicial notice
- Section 53 — Facts admitted need not be proved
- Section 55 — Oral evidence to be direct
- Section 56 — Proof of contents of documents
Source and review trail
The text above is taken from the Gazette of India publication of the Act. Check later amendments and the signed Gazette before relying on it.
- Official text
- NCRB — Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, section 54