The principle underlying section 153 of the Evidence Act is to limit the right to call evidence...........

Indian Evidence Act (IEA) 1872 Examination of Witnesses

The principle underlying section 153 of the Evidence Act, is to limit the right to call evidence to contradict witness on collateral questions and exclude all evidence of the facts which are incapable of affording any reasonable presumptions or inference as to the principal matter in dispute. A party may not, in general, impeach the credit of his opponent’s witnesses by calling witnesses to contradict him on irrelevant matters. The section must be strictly construed and narrowly interpreted. The rule is founded on the following reason/reasons that –

A witness cannot be expected to come prepared to defend, by independent proof, all the actions of his life.

To admit contradicting evidence on such points would lead to confusion by raising an almost endless series of collateral issues.

Either (a) or (b)

Both (a) and (b)

Explanation:

- Option 1: A witness cannot be expected to come prepared to defend, by independent proof, all the actions of his life.

- This statement highlights that it's unreasonable for a witness to be prepared with proof for every single action of their past. The focus should remain on relevant evidence related to the main issue.

- Option 2: To admit contradicting evidence on such points would lead to confusion by raising an almost endless series of collateral issues.

- Allowing evidence on minor, irrelevant points could create confusion. It risks shifting focus from the principal matter to numerous, unnecessary details.

- Option 3: Either (a) or (b)

- Suggests that either one of the reasons alone could be the basis for the principle under Section 153 of the Evidence Act.

- Option 4: Both (a) and (b)

- Argues that both reasons collectively support the rationale for the rule in Section 153 of the Evidence Act.

- Correct Answer: Option 4: Both (a) and (b)

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