Opinion as to existence of general custom or right, when relevant
Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 deals with opinion as to existence of general custom or right, when relevant. When the Court has to form an opinion as to the existence of any general custom or right, the opinions, as to the existence of such custom or right, of persons who would be likely to know of its existence if it existed, are relevant Explanation.--The expression “general custom or right” includes cus The Act came into force on 01 Jul 2024.
When the Court has to form an opinion as to the existence of any general custom or right, the opinions, as to the existence of such custom or right, of persons who would be likely to know of its existence if it existed, are relevant
Explanation.--The expression “general custom or right” includes customs or rights common to any considerable class of persons.
Illustration.
The right of the villagers of a particular village to use the water of a particular well is a general right within the meaning of this section.
Section 42, The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Act 47 of 2023).
Replaces a provision of the Indian Evidence Act
IEA 48 Opinion as to existence of right or custom, when relevant Text carried over almost unchanged 97%
Measured by comparing the text of the two provisions, not taken from an official correspondence table — there is no machine-readable one. See both texts side by side before relying on it.
Both regimes are live. The repealed enactment still governs what happened while it was in force. We never redirect one to the other.
Questions about Section 42
What does Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam deal with?
Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam is headed "Opinion as to existence of general custom or right, when relevant". When the Court has to form an opinion as to the existence of any general custom or right, the opinions, as to the existence of such custom or right, of persons who would be likely to know of its existence if it existed, are relevant Explanation.--The expression “general custom or right” includes cus
How do I find court cases under Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: BSA 42, section 42 BSA, section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. People searching for it also type bsa 42 8341. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
What should I read with Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and has it changed?
It carries forward IEA 48 (Opinion as to existence of right or custom, when relevant), so the judgments decided under that provision are the case law on this one.
When did Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam come into force?
Section 42 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, cited as BSA 42, came into force on 01 Jul 2024, having been enacted on 25 Dec 2023. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 26. Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found, etc., is relevant1128 words
- 12. Facts showing existence of state of mind, or of body or bodily feeling1076 words
- 95. Exclusion of evidence of oral agreement815 words
- 2. Definitions794 words
- 6. Motive, preparation and previous or subsequent conduct773 words
- 63. Admissibility of electronic records764 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.