Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Evidence Act was amended by the IT Act, 2000, to include provisions for the admissibility of electronic records. A special procedure was introduced for this purpose.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Section 61 states that the contents of documents may be proved either by primary or by secondary evidence.
- Section 65 lists the cases in which secondary evidence relating to documents may be given.
- The law for proving the contents of electronic records is specifically laid out in Sections 65A and 65B.
- Section 65A provides that the contents of electronic records may be proved in accordance with the provisions of Section 65B.
- Section 65B lays down the conditions that must be met for any information contained in an electronic record (like a computer printout) to be deemed a document and be admissible in evidence without further proof or production of the original. This includes providing a certificate that meets the conditions specified in Section 65B(4).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The admissibility and proof of the contents of electronic records are specifically governed by the provisions of Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act.