Section 74 of IEA : Section 74: Public documents.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is involved in a property dispute with his neighbor, Suresh. Ravi claims that the land belongs to him based on a sale deed executed 20 years ago. To support his claim, Ravi obtains a certified copy of the sale deed from the Sub-Registrar's office, where all property transactions are recorded. This certified copy is considered a public document under Section 74 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as it is a record of an act of a public officer. Ravi can present this document in court as evidence to prove his ownership of the property.

Example 2:

Priya is contesting a traffic violation ticket she received for allegedly running a red light. She believes the traffic signal was malfunctioning at the time. To support her case, Priya requests the maintenance records of the traffic signal from the municipal corporation. These records are maintained by public officers and are considered public documents under Section 74 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Priya can use these records in court to demonstrate that the traffic signal was indeed malfunctioning, thereby contesting the validity of the traffic violation ticket.