LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW – Public Documents – Mode of Proof by Certified Copies
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Certified copies may be produced in proof of the contents of the public documents or parts of the public documents of which they purport to be copies.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
"Such certified copies may be produced in proof of the contents of the public documents or parts of the public documents of which they purport to be copies."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Section 111 Evidence Act provides that certified copies of public documents constitute admissible proof of the documents’ contents without requiring production of originals. “Public documents” include government records, court proceedings, official registers, and documents maintained by public authorities. “Certified copies” are copies authenticated by the official custodian as true copies of the originals. This exception to the best evidence rule recognizes practical realities: public documents must remain in official custody, producing originals is inconvenient, and certified copies from official custodians are reliable. The certification authenticates the copy, eliminating need for further proof. This facilitates litigation involving public documents by enabling parties to prove contents through certified copies rather than cumbersome original production procedures