Electronic Evidence Certification: Arjun Khotkar v. Kailash Gorantyal (2020)

Electronic evidence

 

Title: Arjun Panditrao Khotkar Vs. Kailash Kushanrao Gorantyal & Ors.

Court: Supreme Court, Bombay High Court

Citation: (2020) 3 SCC 216

Decided on: 14th July 2020

Coram: Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, Justice V. Ramasubramaniam.

 

Introduction

The ruling was made in the context of the SC’s past inconsistent pronouncements about the admission of electronic evidence. According to Section 65 B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, the Bombay High Court accepted the electronic evidence even though it lacked the necessary certificate. The SC made it clear that the certificate must be mandatorily submitted as a prerequisite under Sec65 B (4) for the admission of electronic evidence by sustaining the Anvar PV’s judgement and overturning the Shafhi Mohammed’s judgement. Additionally, the SC reversed judgements it had previously rendered in the Ramajyam and Tomaso Bruno cases.

Facts:

Two petitions were submitted in the current case contesting the appellant’s selection for the Maharashtra legislative assembly.  The candidate who lost the election submitted one petition, while one of the electors filed the second. The respondents claimed that the election was invalid because there was a delay in completing the nomination papers, citing the video evidence from the cameras.

Question on Electronic Evidence

What is the significance of the certificate under Section 65B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872?

Court Analysis and Decision:

According to Section 65 B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, the Bombay High Court accepted the electronic evidence even though it lacked the necessary certificate. Sec 65 B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act makes it mandatory for the person relying on electronic evidence to furnish certificate. This certificate is to be issued by the person who gives the copy of the content of the electronic record from the device which he possesses provided such device was functioning properly during the time when the information was recorded and the copy of that was issued.

Issues which stood before the court were, to determine the validity of the appellant’s election, and to furnish a clear settlement of law regarding furnishing of certificate under Sec 65B (4). The Bombay HC relied on other evidence in addition to the electronic evidence to draw a conclusion, which is why the SC maintained the contested judgement.

The SC made it clear that the certificate must be mandatorily submitted as a prerequisite under Sec 65B (4) for the admission of electronic evidence by sustaining the Anvar PV’s judgement and overturning the Shafhi Mohammed’s judgement. Additionally, the SC reversed judgements it had previously rendered in the Ramajyam and Tomaso Bruno cases.

In contrast to “content that may be treated as evidence of original document,” SC distinguished between “original documents.” While the latter refers to the output of that same information that the computer provides, the original document is the original record saved in the computer in which the original information has been recorded.

If the original document is produced as the principal form of proof, the certificate required by Section 65 B is not required. The owner of the relevant electronic device, such as a PC, laptop, tablet, etc., can present it by appearing in court as a witness and establishing that it was used by him and that it had the original data. However, the requirement of delivering the document together with the certificate must be met when it is physically impossible to bring the gadget to be produced in court.

If the certificate to provide the evidence is not granted, it can be obtained by filing an application for it. However, in order to obtain one, the party needing the certificate must complete all of their legal obligations.

The electronic evidence must be provided before the trial is set to start. If the accused wants to provide the certificate, the court’s discretionary power and the facts and circumstances of the case will determine whether or not to allow it. At any point during the trial, the court may order the production of the necessary certificate as long as the hearing is ongoing and the trial is not yet ended.

Regarding the keeping of CD recordings and other records pertinent for seizure during an inquiry, or to be provided by the defence as evidence or during cross-examination, the SC has given recommendations for ISPs (internet service providers) and mobile phone carriers.

The Supreme Court (SC), in reference to a set of draught rules proposed by a committee established in 2018, expressed the opinion that these draught rules should be accorded legislative recognition in order to assist and direct the courts with regard to the preservation and retrieval of such electronic documents.

Having regard to Sec 67 C of the IT Act, 2008; appropriate rules should be framed to for retaining data to be used in the trial of offences, for stamping and maintaining records etc. in order to avoid corruption.

As a result, the SC has established the legal position regarding the provision of electronic evidence and its admissibility under Sec 65B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act. Additionally, the SC has defined the options available to individuals who are not in possession of the electronic equipment. In the interest of justice and based on the specific facts and circumstances of a case, the court has the authority to order or relieve the production of the required certificate.

The Supreme Court of India

Written by: Akshaya Zavar

Unfold Law – Best Law firm in Bangalore, Criminal lawyer

 

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