Skip to main content
Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness initiative — not a Government of India website.
Home BSA Explained Witnesses & Testimony
§138

Accomplice Evidence

Plain-English Summary — Not Verbatim Statutory Text

An accomplice (someone who took part in the crime alongside the accused) is a legally competent witness, and a conviction isn't automatically illegal just because it rests on an accomplice's testimony — though courts are cautious and generally look for corroboration.

  • Competency to testify and how much weight that testimony should be given are treated as two separate questions — an accomplice can testify, but courts scrutinise that testimony carefully.

If a case against you relies substantially on testimony from someone who was themselves involved in the alleged crime, know that courts don't take such testimony at face value — they look for independent support.

This is a plain-English summary, not verbatim statutory text. Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website. Always verify against the bare Act (legislative.gov.in) or a qualified advocate before relying on this for an actual legal situation.