SHRI N. SRI RAMA REDDY ETC. versus SURI V. V. GIRI

SHRI N. SRI RAMA REDDY ETC. versus SURI V. V. GIRI

The Supreme Court held that tape-recorded statements may be admitted not only for corroboration but also to impeach the credit of a witness, contradict their evidence, and test veracity and impartiality under the relevant sections of the Indian Evidence Act.

Parties
Petitioner: SHRI N. SRI RAMA REDDY ETC.; Respondent: SURI V. V. GIRI; Intervenor: Attorney-General, Election Commission and Returning Officer, Presidential Election
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
27 April 1970
Procedural Posture
Election Petition / Interlocutory Order on Evidentiary Admissibility
Outcome
Objections to admissibility overruled; tape-recorded conversation admitted in evidence.
Legal Topics
Admissibility of Tape Recorded Statements, Impeaching Witness Credibility, Undue Influence in Elections
Evidence Election Law Admissibility of Tape Recorded Statements Impeaching Witness Credibility Undue Influence in Elections

Case Brief

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Parties

SHRI N. SRI RAMA REDDY ETC.

Petitioner

SURI V. V. GIRI

Respondent

Attorney-General, Election Commission and Returning Officer, Presidential Election

Intervenor

Procedural Posture

Election Petition / Interlocutory Order on Evidentiary Admissibility

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether tape-recorded statements of a witness are admissible to contradict their evidence in court under the Indian Evidence Act
  2. 2 Whether such statements are relevant to the issues in an Election Petition alleging undue influence by pamphlet distribution

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that tape-recorded statements may be admitted not only for corroboration but also to impeach the credit of a witness, contradict their evidence, and test veracity and impartiality under the relevant sections of the Indian Evidence Act.

Court Disposition

Objections to admissibility overruled; tape-recorded conversation admitted in evidence.

Orders

  • Tape-recorded conversation between R.W. 25 (Jagat Narain) and Abdul Ghani Dar is admissible in evidence to impeach the witness's credibility.