ADMISSION UNDER INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT ( SEC 17-23 ,31)
Admission under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Sections 17–23, 31)
What is an Admission?
Admission means a statement, oral or written, which suggests any inference as to any fact in issue or relevant fact, and is made by a party to the proceeding or his agent.
It is not the same as a confession, which is an admission against interest related specifically to guilt in a criminal case.
🔹 Key Sections on Admission
Section 17 — Admission Defined
Admission is a statement, oral or documentary, which suggests any fact in issue or relevant fact and is made by a party or someone authorized by the party.
For example, if A says “I sold the car to B,” and ownership is disputed, this is an admission.
Section 18 — Admissions by Agents
Statements made by agents or persons authorized to speak on behalf of a party are treated as admissions by the party.
Example: A company’s employee admitting a fact during official duties can be an admission against the company.
Section 19 — Admissions by Persons whose Position must be proved as Against Party
Admissions made by persons whose relationship to the party is relevant (like principal-agent) can be used against the party if their relationship is proved.
Section 20 — Admissions by One of Joint-Contracting Parties
Admissions made by one party in a joint contract case can be used against all parties involved.
Section 21 — Admissions in Civil Cases
Admissions are relevant only if made by a party to a civil suit or his agent.
Admissions made by strangers (not parties or agents) are not relevant.
Section 22 — Effect of Admissions
Admissions are relevant only as evidence, but they are not conclusive proof.
The court may accept or reject admissions according to its discretion.
Section 23 — Oral Admissions and Written Admissions
Oral admissions are as admissible as written admissions.
However, in some cases, written admissions carry more weight.
Section 31 — Admissions as to Deeds and Conduct
Statements made by a party relating to deeds, documents, or conduct can be treated as admissions.
For example, admitting the execution of a document or acknowledging some conduct.
Summary Table:
| Section | Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Definition of Admission | Statement by a party suggesting fact in issue or relevant fact |
| 18 | Admissions by Agents | Statements by authorized agents are admissions |
| 19 | Admissions by Relevant Persons | Admissions by persons connected to party’s position |
| 20 | Admissions by Joint Parties | Admissions by one joint party bind others |
| 21 | Admissions in Civil Cases | Only admissions by parties or their agents are relevant |
| 22 | Effect of Admissions | Admissions are relevant but not conclusive |
| 23 | Oral and Written Admissions | Both oral and written admissions admissible |
| 31 | Admissions as to Deeds and Conduct | Statements about deeds or conduct are admissions |
Examples of Admissions:
A admits in a letter that he owes money to B — relevant as admission in a suit.
A’s agent admits delivery of goods — admission against A.
Admission about signature on a document — relevant under Section 31.
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