Admissibility And Relevancy Of Electronic Evidence: A Comparative Study Of India And The UK

Written by : Abhijeet Singh, B.A.LL.B, Galgotias University

Abstract

The emergence of digital technologies has greatly changed the realm of evidence in legal cases, prompting an important dialogue on the acceptance and significance of electronic evidence in courtrooms. As Christopher Hitchens wisely stated, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence," highlighting the necessity for thorough examination of digital materials in legal situations. This paper offers a comparative study of the acceptance of electronic evidence in the legal systems of India and the United Kingdom. It analyzes the regulatory laws in India, including the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and the Information Technology Act of 2000, as well as significant legislative measures in the UK, comprising The Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984, The Civil Evidence Act of 1995, and pertinent directives from the Association of Chief Police Officers (2012). The research also emphasizes significant legal rulings from both areas that have influenced how digital evidence is understood, offering perspectives on the changing standards and procedures in judicial settings. Furthermore, the article examines the viewpoint of the United Nations regarding electronic documents, providing an international perspective on the topic. This analysis aims to compare the legal frameworks in India and the UK while also addressing the wider consequences of electronic evidence in contemporary legal systems.[1]

Keywords: Digital Evidence, Acceptability, Legal Structures, Cyber Legislation, India, United Kingdom

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