Section 158 of BSA : Section 158: Impeaching credit of witness.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Case: Ramesh vs. State of Maharashtra

Scenario: Ramesh is on trial for theft. The prosecution calls a witness, Suresh, who testifies that he saw Ramesh stealing from a shop. During cross-examination, the defense attorney asks Suresh if he has ever been convicted of a crime. Suresh admits that he was convicted of perjury (lying under oath) two years ago.

Application of Section 158:

• The defense can use Suresh's past conviction to impeach his credibility, arguing that someone who has lied under oath before might not be trustworthy.
• The defense may also call another witness, Rajesh, who testifies that he knows Suresh well and believes him to be untrustworthy based on his past behavior.

Example 2:

Case: Priya vs. State of Karnataka

Scenario: Priya is accused of accepting a bribe while working as a government official. The prosecution calls a witness, Anil, who testifies that he saw Priya accepting the bribe. During cross-examination, the defense presents evidence that Anil himself was offered a bribe by the prosecution to testify against Priya.

Application of Section 158:

• Th...

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