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1909 Supreme(Mad) 402

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS
Rosi alias Hegi and Anr.
Versus
Yadala Pillamma and Anr.
Decided On : 08.12.1909

Incomplete evidence may not ordinarily be acted upon, but other available evidence may be considered to prove the plaintiff's case.

Headnote:

Evidence - Cross-examination - Admissibility of incomplete examination of plaintiff

Fact of the Case:

The plaintiff was examined-in-chief but fell sick before the cross-examination was finished. The plaintiff died before the next hearing, leaving incomplete evidence on record to prove the pro-note sued on.

Finding of the Court:

The court found that while incomplete evidence may not ordinarily be acted upon, other evidence, such as attesting witnesses to the pronote, may be available to prove the plaintiff's case. The court set aside the decree of the District Munsif and remanded the suit for a fresh disposal according to law, allowing further evidence on both sides.

Issues: Admissibility of incomplete evidence, availability of other evidence to prove the plaintiff's case

Ratio Decidendi: The principle underlying Section 33 of the Evidence Act points to the conclusion that incomplete evidence ought not ordinarily to be acted upon, but other available evidence may be considered.

Final Decision: The court set aside the decree of the District Munsif and remanded the suit for a fresh disposal according to law, allowing further evidence on both sides.

JUDGMENT

1. The plaintiff was examined-in-chief. The cross-examination was not finished when the case was adjourned and he fell sick and became unable to appear again for cross-examination. There was an application for the issue of a commission to cross-examine him; but no commission was issued and the plaintiff died before the next hearing. There is no other evidence on record on the plaintiffs side to prove the pro-note sued on, except this incomplete examination of the plaintiff. It is contended before us that such evidence is wholly inadmissible and that the plaintiffs suit must, therefore, be dismissed. Without going so far as to hold that it is altogether inadmissible for any purpose, because the cross-examination was not completed (as to which see Wigmores Evidence, Vol. II, p. 1742) we think it clear that the principle underlying Section 33 of the Evidence Act points to the conclusion that such evidence ought not ordinarily to be acted upon--J. Boisagomoff v. The Nahapiet Jute Co. Ltd. 5 C.W.N. 30. But in the present case it may be that other evidence is available to prove the plaintiffs case, as there are attesting witnesses to the pronote.

2. We will, therefore, set aside the decree of the District Munsif and remand the suit for a fresh disposal according to law. Further evidence on both sides may be admitted. The costs in this Court will abide the result.

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