Opinion on relationships is a relevant fact in which one of the following cases?

Correct option is D

The correct option is (d) Determining the marital status of two people staying together since a long period of time.

Explanation

Based on the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, the relevancy of an opinion on a relationship is governed by Section 44 (which corresponds to Section 50 of the old Indian Evidence Act).

• The Rule: When the Court has to form an opinion as to the relationship of one person to another, the opinion, expressed by conduct, of any person who, as a member of the family or otherwise, has special means of knowledge on the subject, is a relevant fact.
• The Exception (Proviso): However, such an opinion is not sufficient to prove a marriage in two specific types of legal cases:
1. Prosecutions for bigamy (offences against marriage).
2. Proceedings under the Divorce Act.
• Why (d) is correct: In general civil cases or for determining the marital status of people cohabiting for a long time, the opinion of neighbors or family members (conduct-based evidence) is fully relevant and admissible to establish the relationship.