Language of Courts; Evidence of Formal Character; Previous Conviction; Evidence in Absence of Accused

Explanation

Sections 272–299 address the procedural framework for evidence in criminal proceedings. Section 272 establishes that courts conduct proceedings in their own language — with translation for witnesses who speak other languages. Section 278 ensures witnesses hear their evidence read back and signed — creating an authenticated record. Section 293 is the most practically significant: government scientific expert reports (forensic reports, chemical examiner's reports, ballistic reports) can be produced as documentary evidence without the expert appearing in court, unless the court or a party specifically requires their presence. This dramatically speeds up cases involving forensic evidence. Section 299 allows recording of prosecution evidence when the accused absconds — creating a partial record of evidence before witnesses forget or become unavailable. The BNSS significantly expands the digital evidence framework and introduces new mandatory forensic investigation requirements.