Relevancy of Facts
/ˈrɛləvənsi əv fækts/
Evidence Law Term
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Definition
A fact is relevant when it is connected to the facts in issue in a way recognised by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Sections 5–55). Only relevant facts may be proved in court. Relevancy is determined by logical connection — facts that make the existence of a fact in issue more or less probable are relevant. Section 5 states that evidence may only be given of facts in issue and relevant facts.
Examples
Case Study
In Knapp v. State (and as reflected in Indian jurisprudence), courts have consistently held that relevancy is a matter of logic and experience — a fact is relevant if it has any tendency to make a fact in issue more or less probable. The Indian Evidence Act's approach (Sections 6–55) codifies a comprehensive scheme of relevancy that avoids leaving the question entirely to judicial discretion.
Key Cases
Ram Bihari Yadav v. State of Bihar
1998AIR 1998 SC 1850
Discussed the relationship between relevancy and admissibility. Relevance is a threshold requirement; admissibility is governed by specific rules. Courts must distinguish between facts that are relevant (logically connected) and those that are legally admissible.
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