Section 148
Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
Reviewed by Ravi Sisodia · Last reviewed 10 October 2026
Official text of section 148 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Chapter X: Of examination of witnesses), with the matching section of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Section 148, official text
A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made by him in writing or reduced into writing, and relevant to matters in question, without such writing being shown to him, or being proved; but, if it is intended to contradict him by the writing, his attention must, before the writing can be proved, be called to those parts of it which are to be used for the purpose of contradicting him.
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 148 replaces Section 145 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (“Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing”). The wording is substantially the same as the earlier section. The 1872 Act was repealed by section 170 of the Adhiniyam, which saves proceedings pending on 1 July 2024.
Nearby sections
- Section 146 — Leading questions
- Section 147 — Evidence as to matters in writing
- Section 149 — Questions lawful in cross-examination
- Section 150 — When witness to be compelled to answer
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 148