Best Evidence Rule in Bangladesh

The “Best Evidence Rule” means a document must be proved by its original (primary evidence), and secondary evidence (copies, oral accounts) is allowed only in specific, legally-permitted situations.

Statutory basis (Bangladesh Evidence Act, 1872)

• s.61–67: Proof of contents of documents.
• s.62: Primary evidence = the document itself (original).
• s.63: Secondary evidence = certified copies, mechanical copies, counterparts, oral accounts of contents, etc.
• s.64: General rule: contents of documents must be proved by primary evidence.
• s.65:Exceptions—when secondary evidence may be given, e.g.:
  • (a) Original in possession/power of the opposite party or a third party who, after notice to produce (s.66), fails to produce;
  • (b) Existence/contents admitted;
  • (c) Original lost or destroyed, or cannot be produced despite due diligence;
  • (d) Original not easily movable;
  • (e) Public documents (see s.74) → certified copies (s.77) are admissible;
  • (f) Documents of which certified copies are permitted by law;
  • (g) Numerous documents/voluminous accounts—court may allow summaries.
• s.66: Notice to produce is generally required before using secondary evidence against a party who holds the original (with recognised exceptions).
• s.91–92: When the law requires or parties have reduced terms to writing, the document itself is the best evidence of its terms; oral evidence cannot contradict/ vary those terms (subject to limited provisos). This is often described as the best-evidence principle for written agreements.

How to answer:

1. State the rule:
   “Under the Evidence Act, a document’s contents must be proved by primary evidence (s.62, s.64). Secondary evidence is exceptional and allowed only under s.65.”
2. Explain ‘when’ secondary evidence is allowed:
   Briefly mention loss/destruction, opponent’s possession + notice, public documents → certified copies, not easily movable, statutory certified copies, summaries of voluminous records.
3. Add the contracts angle (s.91–92):
   If terms are in writing, the document speaks for itself; oral evidence can’t replace or contradict it (subject to provisos).
4. Practical points & traps:
   • Give notice to produce (s.66) unless an exception applies.
   • Prove the foundation for secondary evidence (e.g., loss despite due diligence).
   • Certified copies of public documents are primary mode of proof for those documents.
   • Courts look for reliability of the copy (how made, compared with original, etc.).

One-line takeaway

In Bangladesh, the Best Evidence Rule requires the original document to prove its contents (s.64), and secondary evidence is admissible only in the specific cases listed in s.65, with notice to produce (s.66) and the s.91–92 bar on using oral evidence to vary written terms.