Expert Talk on Understanding the Evolution and Application of Evidence Law in India

On May 6, 2025, the Internship and Placement Cell (I&P Cell) of the University School of Law and Legal Studies (USLLS), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, in collaboration with St. Peter’s Law Academy, organised a captivating expert session titled “Understanding the Evolution and Application of Evidence Law in India.” The event took place in Room C-314 and drew around 60 law students. It served as an opportunity to develop legal thought beyond textbooks. The atmosphere was marked by eagerness and attentiveness as students settled in to hear two seasoned professionals delve into one of the most pivotal branches of Indian law.

Distinguished Speakers

The session featured the keynote speaker, a multi-faceted personality, Mr. Suman Kant Jha, who began his professional journey in the Merchant Navy before successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, subsequently serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi. He later qualified for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination and served as a Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate in Patna and Gaya. In addition to his distinguished public service career, Mr. Jha is also a published author, known for his epic work “Ramayan Suman”.

The session also featured Mr. Amal Abraham, Chief Academic Coordinator at St. Peter’s Law Academy. His personal narrative—transforming from a reserved law student into a confident public speaker and academic leader—struck a chord with many students, offering inspiration grounded in real-life experiences.

From Personal Growth to Legal Evolution

The session began with an inspiring address by Mr. Amal Abraham. Rather than beginning with complex legal principles, he shared his transformation from a reserved first-year law student struggling with self-doubt into a confident public speaker and mentor. He then talked about internships and their significance in the careers of law students. He discussed the first few internships that law students should engage in, namely in District Courts and NGOs. He reasoned this by suggesting that one gets to know the legal system at its grassroots level and learns how day-to-day operations happen in a court. He also emphasised the significance of doing judicial internships. His message was simple yet powerful: the five years of law school are not just for academic achievement but for building character, confidence, and purpose, which resonated deeply with the audience.

Decolonizing India's Legal Framework

Mr. Suman Kant Jha then took the floor, guiding the students through a thought-provoking exploration of India’s transition from the colonial-era Indian Evidence Act, 1872, to the contemporary Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. He explained how this shift marks more than just a change in language; it represents a conscious move toward decolonizing India’s legal system and aligning it with present-day values.

He highlighted how the 2023 legislation modernises the law by removing outdated language and restructuring it for clarity and fairness. For Mr. Jha, this evolution is not just a matter of legislative reform; it is a reaffirmation of democratic ideals, aimed at protecting the rights of individuals while facilitating justice. His comparison of the two legal texts clarified the complexities of the legal subject and statutory interpretations.

Landmark Cases: Theory Meets Practice

The experts then discussed three landmark cases which effectively illustrated the intersection of legal theory and practical application.

In Aghnoo Nagesia v. State of Bihar, 1965 SCC OnLine SC 109, the Hon'ble Supreme Court ruled that a confession made to the police is inadmissible under Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, except for parts that lead to the discovery of new facts under Section 27. This principle continues under Section 23(1) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, reinforcing the constitutional protection against self-incrimination.

The case of Palvinder Kaur v. State of Punjab, (1952) 2 SCC 177, involved a conviction under Sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, based largely on circumstantial evidence. The Hon'ble Supreme Court overturned the conviction, emphasising that mere suspicion, no matter how grave, cannot substitute for proof in criminal trials. This case highlights the continued relevance of stringent evidentiary standards, which are also preserved in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

In Chandramathi v. Pazhetti Balan, 1981 SCC OnLine Ker 159, a husband alleged adultery after his wife conceived post-vasectomy. The Hon'ble Kerala High Court upheld the legitimacy of the child, citing the lack of conclusive evidence proving non-access between the spouses. The judgment relied on the presumption of law under Section 112 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, now enshrined in Section 116 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, illustrating the high threshold required to rebut such presumptions.

Mr. Jha’s pedagogical use of the cases was impactful, as they were intertwined with legal and societal implications. By anchoring discussions in landmark Supreme Court judgments, Mr. Jha effectively highlighted how the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, retains the constitutional spirit of its predecessor while adapting to contemporary legal needs.

Charting Career Paths

As the session neared its conclusion, Mr. Amal Abraham outlined career opportunities for law graduates. He emphasised avenues like the Judicial Services Examination, Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and more, breaking down eligibility criteria and preparation strategies.

He acknowledged the fears and doubts of first-generation law students and urged them to dream big regardless of their background. He emphasised that success in law is not determined by pedigree but by passion, persistence, and preparation.

Q&A Session

Students were invited to ask questions, many of which reflected their own uncertainties—whether about internships, career planning, or how to stay motivated. Mr. Abraham responded not just as an expert but as a mentor, providing both practical advice and encouragement. 

Conclusion

The event concluded with a sense of genuine engagement and enthusiasm among the students. The session offered a rare opportunity to engage directly with practical insights and judicial reasoning from accomplished professionals in the legal field. It not only deepened the participants’ understanding of India’s evolving evidence law but also inspired them to pursue excellence in their academic and professional journeys. With its interactive and intellectually stimulating format, the session was a valuable addition to the holistic legal education imparted at USLLS. In fostering this kind of intellectual and emotional engagement, the Internship and Placement Cell reaffirmed its role in shaping not just competent graduates, but thoughtful, responsible, and inspired legal professionals.