JUSTICE IN THE DIGITAL REALM THE ADMISSIBILITY OF ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE IN INDIA

Abstract

In the legal world, evidence plays a focal role in establishing claims regarding numerous issues involved in a legal case. Evidence exists in many forms, but its admissibility depends on the permissive power of the court, which establishes rules and laws. Nowadays, with the advent of various technologies, the courts are also allowing the admissibility of digital/electronic evidence. This digital/electronic evidence exists in numerous forms, like computers, smartphones, and pen drives, etc. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that the admissibility of these documents varies according to the circumstances of various cases. If we specifically talk about India, it has tussled with the issue of the admissibility of e-evidence in the court of law. Supreme Court, High Court, and various other courts in India have long been sceptical about the use of electronic/digital evidence, as they can be easily tampered with. Now, with the increase of this digital technology, courts should permit the use of this digital/electronic evidence, which will in turn help them to deal with modern ways of committing crimes and offences.