J&K High Court on Interpretation of “Reasonable Grounds” Under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Evidence Act)

The article explains that the Jammu & Kashmir High Court interpreted the phrase “reasonable grounds” in the context of evidentiary provisions under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Evidence Act). The Court clarified that “reasonable grounds” must be evaluated in light of the material on record and circumstances of the case — blanket or mechanical invocation is impermissible. It ruled that before acting on such grounds (for e.g. detention, search or admission of evidence), authorities must objectively satisfy statutory prerequisites; the mere invocation without factual basis would be invalid. The judgment aims to check arbitrary state action and safeguard fundamental rights by ensuring judicial oversight on evidence admissibility and procedural fairness under evidence law.