Indian Evidence Act Section 1: Short title, extent and commencement

This Act may be called the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

² It extends to the whole of India ³ [Except the State of Jammu and Kashmir] and applies to all judicial proceedings in or before any Court, including Courts-martial, ⁴[other than Courts-martial convened under the Army Act.,] (44 & 45 Vict., c.58) ⁵[the Naval Discipline Act (29 & 30 Vict., c 109) or ⁶[***] the Indian Navy (Discipline) Act. 1934⁷] (34 of 1934) ⁸[or the Air Force Act] 7 Geo. 5, c. 51) but not to affidavits presented to any Court to any Court or Officer, not to proceedings before an arbitrator

And it shall come into force on the first day of September, 1872.

Simplified Explanation

Section 1 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 primarily deals with the extent and applicability of the Act. Here’s what it states:

• Short Title: The Act may be called the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
• Extent: It applies to all judicial proceedings in or before any court, including courts-martial, but does not apply to affidavits presented to any court or officer, nor to proceedings before an arbitrator.
• Exclusions: It does not apply to proceedings before an arbitrator.

In essence, this section sets the foundation for the entire Act, specifying where and how it is applicable, as well as what it does not cover.