Section 154 of IEA : Section 154: Question By Party To His Own Witness

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where during a trial, Mr. Sharma is a witness called by the prosecution. While giving his testimony, Mr. Sharma starts giving answers that are inconsistent with his previous statements. The prosecution, sensing that Mr. Sharma's testimony is becoming unfavorable to their case, decides to treat Mr. Sharma as a hostile witness.

Invoking Section 154 of The Indian Evidence Act, the prosecution requests the Court's permission to cross-examine Mr. Sharma. The Court grants this permission, recognizing that the witness's testimony is adverse to what the prosecution expected. Consequently, the prosecutor begins to ask Mr. Sharma questions that challenge the credibility of his testimony, similar to how the defense would cross-examine him. Despite this, the prosecution can still use parts of Mr. Sharma's testimony that are favorable to their case, as permitted by the law.