A custom to be recognised by a Court should be I Ancient II Continuous and uniform III Reasonable IV...........

Indian Evidence Act (IEA) 1872 Introduction and Definition

A custom to be recognised by a Court should be:

I. Ancient

II. Continuous and uniform

III. Reasonable

IV. Certain

V. Compulsory and not optional

VI. Peace

VII. Immoral

I and III

II and V

IV and VII

all of them

Let’s break down what makes a custom recognisable by a court:

- Ancient (I): Courts look for long-established traditions, not something invented yesterday.

- Continuous and uniform (II): A custom should be practiced in the same way over time without interruption.

- Reasonable (III): It shouldn’t be absurd or go against common sense.

- Certain (IV): The custom must be clear—not vague or ambiguous.

- Compulsory and not optional (V): It’s got to be followed as a rule, not just when people feel like it.

- Peace (VI): The custom shouldn’t lead to conflict or disturb public order.

- Immoral (VII): Actually, this one’s a trick—customs must NOT be immoral. Courts reject customs that go against morality or public policy.

Now, the options:

- Option 1 (I and III) only picks two elements—too narrow.

- Option 2 (II and V) includes continuity and compulsory nature, but misses the rest.

- Option 3 (IV and VII) includes certainty, but incorrectly includes immorality.

- Option 4 (all of them) says you need all seven—but here’s the catch: "Immoral" is actually *not* a requirement; customs must not be immoral.

So, the correct answer is *not* option 4. Practices that are immoral are rejected, not recognised.

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