IPC Section 29
๐น Section 29 of the Indian Penal Code โ "Document"
โ๏ธ Bare Act Language (Simplified):
Section 29 of the IPC defines the term "document". According to this section:
"The word 'document' refers to any matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may be used, as evidence of that matter."
๐ Explanation in Simple Terms:
Section 29 tells us what qualifies as a "document" in the eyes of law.
โ A document can be:
Written on paper, stone, metal, digital format, or any other material.
Made using letters, numbers, symbols, signs, or any marks.
Created with the intention that it can be used as evidence of something.
In short, if something is written or marked in a way that it conveys meaning or information, and it is intended to serve as proof or record of that information, then it's a document.
๐ Key Points:
Medium doesnโt matter: A document doesn't have to be on paper. It can be on cloth, metal plates, walls, or digital filesโanything that holds meaningful marks or symbols.
Purpose matters: The main requirement is that it must be intended to be used as evidence of the information it contains.
Covers digital/electronic records: Though not originally written with modern technology in mind, this section, especially when read with the Information Technology Act, extends to digital documents as well.
๐ Illustrations (Examples):
A written agreement between two people on a piece of paper โ This is a document.
A birth certificate issued by a hospital โ This is a document.
An inscription carved in stone that records a land grant โ This is a document.
An email confirming an order โ This is also a document (especially after IT Act inclusion).
A map showing boundary lines of a property โ This too is considered a document if itโs meant to be used as proof.
๐ Related Concepts:
Forgery (Section 463 IPC): Making a false document is a punishable offence. The definition of what counts as a "document" is crucial here.
Electronic records are recognized as documents under Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act and IT Act, 2000.
โ Conclusion:
Section 29 of IPC is a definitional section that clarifies what the term "document" legally includes. It lays the foundation for many other sections related to fraud, forgery, evidence, and legal proceedings. Whether physical or electronic, any meaningful content intended to be used as proof or evidence is legally a document under IPC.
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