Permitting Secondary Evidence U/S 16 Is Exception, Party Must Explain Circumstances Under Which Photocopy Is Prepared: MP High

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled on the admissibility of photocopies as secondary evidence under Section 65 of the Indian Evidence Act. The Court clarified that photocopies of documents can be admitted as evidence if the original documents are unavailable and their authenticity is verified. The ruling emphasized that the party presenting the photocopy must establish the original document's unavailability and prove the photocopy's accuracy and authenticity. This decision aims to streamline the judicial process by allowing secondary evidence under specific conditions, ensuring that justice is not delayed due to the unavailability of original documents.