Supreme Court’s Ruling on Electronic Evidence under Section 65B

Introduction:

The growing prevalence of leaked WhatsApp chats during investigations has thrust the admissibility of electronic evidence into the spotlight. Notably, these leaks often occur at the investigative stage, preceding the actual trial, raising concerns about privacy and legal implications.

Legal Framework Under the Indian Evidence Act

Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, of 1872, establishes a specific framework governing the admissibility of electronic evidence. This provision aims to address the unique challenges posed by digital information in legal proceedings. However, the application of Section 65B has been the subject of extensive litigation, leading to conflicting interpretations by the Supreme Court.

Litigations and Divergent Views:

The judicial landscape surrounding Section 65B has witnessed multiple legal battles, with the Apex Court offering inconsistent perspectives. The divergent views on the scope and application of this section have added complexity to the admissibility of electronic evidence, leaving room for legal ambiguity.

Public Disclosure of Whatsapp Chats:

A concerning trend has emerged where WhatsApp chats obtained during investigations are leaked to the public domain even before the commencement of the trial. This premature disclosure not only raises questions about the integrity of the legal process but also highlights the need for a robust framework to safeguard electronic evidence from unauthorized release.

Privacy Concerns and Legal Implications:

The leakage of WhatsApp chats, a common form of electronic evidence, has sparked discussions about privacy violations and the potential impact on the fairness of criminal trials. Striking a balance between the need for transparency in legal proceedings and protecting individual privacy rights remains a critical challenge.

Given the evolving nature of technology and its impact on legal processes, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing electronic evidence. This scrutiny should aim to address loopholes, provide clarity on the admissibility of digital evidence, and establish guidelines for its handling during investigations.

In a landmark decision on July 14, 2020, the Supreme Court, through a three-judge bench in the case of Arjun Panditrao Khotkar v. Kailash Kishanrao Goratyal (‘Arjun v. Kailash’), provided clarity on the interpretation of Section 65B. The confusion surrounding the scope and application of Section 65B arose due to conflicting views expressed in three prior Supreme Court decisions: Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer[1] (‘Anvar v. Basheer’), Shahfi Mohammad v. State of Himachal Pradesh[2] (‘Shahfi Mohammad’), and Tomaso Bruno v. State of Uttar Pradesh[3] (‘Tomaso Bruno’).

This resolution of conflicting interpretations in Arjun v. Kailash marks a significant development. To understand the context and appreciate the resolution, it is essential to delve into the legal framework governing the admissibility of electronic evidence under Section 65B.

Legal Framework Governing Electronic Evidence

The admissibility of electronic evidence is governed by the legal framework established under Section 65A of the Evidence Act. Introduced by the Indian Evidence (Amendment) Act, 2000, Sections 65A and 65B are integral components of Chapter V of the Evidence Act, focusing on documentary evidence. Notably, the provisions pertain specifically to the proof of contents in electronic records.

In the precedent-setting case of Anvar v. Basheer, it was emphasized that Section 65B, commencing with a non-obstante clause, constitutes a comprehensive code governing the admissibility of electronic evidence.

Section 65B(1) stipulates that information within an electronic record, stored, recorded, or copied as a computer output, is deemed a ‘document’ and is admissible as evidence, provided certain conditions are met. Section 65B(2) outlines the criteria necessary for the information to qualify as a ‘computer output.’

Section 65B(4) Certification Requirement

The source of conflicting interpretations arises from Section 65B(4), which mandates the production of a certificate when electronic evidence is intended for use in judicial proceedings. This certificate must identify the electronic record and provide details about the device involved in its production. It is to be signed by a person in a responsible official position or involved in the relevant management activities, with the signature serving as evidence of authenticity. The contents of the certificate should be stated to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person issuing it.

In the aftermath of conflicting opinions in the earlier Supreme Court decisions, uncertainty emerged regarding the necessity of obtaining a Section 65B(4) certificate when presenting an original copy of the electronic record as evidence. Questions also arose regarding whether compliance with Section 65B(4) was obligatory or if the requirement for a certificate could be waived.

Relationship with Sections 62 and 63 of the Evidence Act

To address these issues, it is crucial to consider Section 62 and Section 63 of the Evidence Act. Section 62 defines ‘primary evidence’ as the document itself presented before the court, while Section 63 encompasses secondary evidence, including copies made from the original, certified copies, and oral accounts of document contents.

This contextual background sets the stage for the resolution of conflicting interpretations and provides a foundation for understanding the nuanced interplay between Section 65B(4) and the broader provisions of the Evidence Act.

Analysis of the Supreme Court Ruling in Arjun v. Kailash

In the case of Arjun v. Kailash, the Supreme Court grappled with an election petition challenging Mr. Arjun Panditrao Khotkar’s election, alleging that his nomination papers were filed after the prescribed deadline. The dispute centered on the admissibility of video camera recordings presented by the Election Commission as evidence, without the requisite certificates under Section 65B(4) of the Evidence Act.

Issues Addressed by the Supreme Court

Necessity of Section 65B(4) Certificate: The primary issue before the Court was whether a certificate under Section 65B(4) is mandatory when presenting the original electronic record or only required for secondary copies.

Mandatory Compliance with Section 65B(4): The Court also examined whether strict compliance with Section 65B(4) is obligatory, even in situations where obtaining the certificate from the competent authority is impractical.

Supreme Court’s Interpretation

1. Differentiation between Original and Secondary Copies: Justice Nariman, delivering the lead opinion, clarified that Section 65B(1) distinguishes between the ‘original’ electronic record stored in the initial computer and the secondary copies made from it. The need for a Section 65B(4) certificate arises only when presenting secondary copies as evidence.

2. Exemption for Original Electronic Record: The Court ruled that producing a certificate is unnecessary when presenting the original electronic record. If the owner of the device, where the information is initially stored, testifies, the original electronic record can be directly admitted as evidence.

3. Practical Constraints Exception: In cases where the original electronic record is part of a network or system physically impractical to bring to court, secondary copies can be presented with the required Section 65B(4) certificate.

4. Section 65B as a Complete Code: Justice Nariman affirmed the view from Anvar v. Basheer that Section 65B is a comprehensive code for electronic evidence, unaffected by other provisions of the Evidence Act. The dictum from Anvar v. Basheer, stating that electronic records used as primary evidence under Section 62 are admissible without Section 65B(4) compliance, was clarified to omit the reference to Section 62.

This decision provides crucial clarity on the application of Section 65B(4), establishing a nuanced framework for the admissibility of electronic evidence in judicial proceedings.

Overruling of Tomaso Bruno and Shahfi Mohammad in Arjun v. Kailash

1. Per Incuriam Status of Tomaso Bruno: The Supreme Court declared the decision in Tomaso Bruno as per incuriam, highlighting that it erroneously concluded that Section 65B is not a complete code without referencing the earlier judgment in Anvar v. Basheer.

2. Misinterpretation in Shahfi Mohammad: Justice Nariman noted that Shahfi Mohammad misinterpreted the law by categorizing Section 65B as a mere procedural provision, suggesting that the certificate requirement could be waived when the electronic device storing records is inaccessible. The Court clarified that this interpretation is incorrect.

3. Addressing Difficulties in Obtaining Certificates: The Court rejected the notion that difficulties in obtaining certificates justify dispensing with Section 65B(4) compliance. Provisions in the Evidence Act (Section 165), Civil Procedure Code (Order XVI), and Criminal Procedure Code (Section 91 and Section 349) empower the court to order document production during trials. Parties facing certificate refusal can apply to the court for an order to produce the necessary certificates.

4. Mandatory Nature of Section 65B(4): The Court emphasized that Section 65B(4) imposes a mandatory obligation, not a voluntary one. It is deemed a condition precedent before secondary copies of an electronic record can be admitted. The obligation must be fulfilled before the trial begins, and the court can order certificate production at any stage before trial completion.

5. Court’s Upholding of High Court Decision: Despite relying on electronic evidence not certified under Section 65B(4), the Supreme Court upheld the High Court decision. This was a specific outcome based on the availability of other admissible evidence supporting the conclusion that nomination papers were not filed within the stipulated deadline.

6. Contextual Clarification by Justice Nariman: Justice Nariman clarified that the Court’s decision to uphold the High Court does not imply that the obligation under Section 65B(4) can be disregarded. Obtaining a certificate remains a condition precedent whenever secondary copies of an electronic record are presented.

This comprehensive analysis in Arjun v. Kailash not only rectifies the misinterpretations in Tomaso Bruno and Shahfi Mohammad but also reinforces the mandatory nature of Section 65B(4) in the admissibility of electronic evidence.

Legal Position in the UK

Comparison with the Legal Position in the UK: Section 65B and Section 5 of the UK Civil Evidence Act

1. Historical Connection between Section 65B and UK Law: Both Justice Nariman and Justice V Ramasubramanian underscored that, with a few minor alterations, Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act closely mirrors Section 5 of the UK Civil Evidence Act, 1968. Notably, Section 5 of the UK Civil Evidence Act was repealed in 1995.

2. Repeal of Section 5 in the UK: The UK’s decision to repeal Section 5 stemmed from recommendations by the Law Commission. The Commission asserted that the framework provided by Section 5 had become outdated due to advancements in computer technology. Consequently, there was deemed to be no necessity for maintaining a distinct regime for computer-generated documents.

3. Adoption of Repealed Provision in India: India, incorporating Section 65B into the Evidence Act in 2000, essentially adopted a provision that had already been repealed in the UK. This highlights a historical connection but also raises questions about the contemporaneity and relevance of the provision.

4. Need for a Review in India: Given that India embraced a provision considered outdated in the UK, both jurists emphasized the need for a similar review within the Indian legal framework. The objective would be to address practical challenges and difficulties that may arise during the adherence to Section 65B, considering developments in technology and evolving evidentiary standards.

This comparison between Section 65B and the now-repealed Section 5 of the UK Civil Evidence Act prompts a reflection on the necessity of revisiting and potentially revising the Indian legal approach to electronic evidence. Such a review could better align with contemporary technological advancements and streamline the evidentiary process in the digital age

Concluding on Electronic Evidence Framework Post Arjun v. Kailash

1. Partial Relief from Compliance Burden: The Supreme Court’s decision in Arjun v. Kailash offers partial relief from the compliance burden under Section 65B(4) by stipulating that the certificate is mandatory only when relying on secondary copies of electronic records. However, a comprehensive review of the legal framework dealing with electronic evidence is essential for further refinement.

2. Addressing Practical Difficulties: Recognizing practical challenges, the decision acknowledges the need for safeguards to preserve and retain electronic records. The recent incident of electronic evidence leakage, particularly in the form of Whatsapp chats, underscores the importance of robust safeguards.

3. Whatsapp Chats and Evidentiary Value: Courts, such as the Punjab & Haryana High Court, have referenced Arjun v. Kailash to assert that Whatsapp chats lack evidentiary value without a Section 65B(4) certificate. This highlights the evolving landscape and challenges related to the admissibility of digital evidence.

4. Beyond Section 65B(4): While the certificate under Section 65B(4) serves as a safeguard for authenticity, there’s a pressing need for additional safeguards to protect the privacy and confidentiality of electronic records. Justice Nariman’s reference to the 2018 Committee Report on Draft Rules for Electronic Record Preservation signals a recognition of these broader concerns.

5. Clarity on Section 65B, More Steps Needed: The decision provides clarity on the scope of Section 65B, but multiple steps are still required to ensure the safety, retention, and confidentiality of electronic evidence. A comprehensive and contemporary legal framework, possibly incorporating lessons from international experiences, is imperative to meet the challenges posed by electronic evidence in the digital age.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, further developments and reforms are crucial to strike a balance between the admissibility of electronic evidence and the protection of individual rights and information security.

Frequently asked questions

Read More

Distinctions Between Oral and Documentary Evidence in Legal Proceedings

Comprehending the Plea of Alibi in the Indian Evidence Act: Elements, Implementation, and Precedents