Correct option is C
The doctrine of Res Gestae, covered under Section 6 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, allows certain statements that are otherwise considered hearsay to be admissible in court. Res Gestae refers to statements that are made spontaneously and are so closely related to the occurrence of an event that they can be considered part of the event itself.
Explanation:
Hearsay Evidence:
Hearsay evidence refers to statements made by someone who is not a witness testifying in court and is generally not admissible because the person who made the statement cannot be cross-examined. However, under the doctrine of Res Gestae, certain statements made during or immediately after an event are considered admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. This is because such statements are often spontaneous, made under the stress of the event, and are less likely to be fabricated.
Key Aspects of Res Gestae (Section 6 of the Indian Evidence Act):
1. Spontaneous Statements: Statements made immediately after an event, while the speaker is still under the influence of the event, are admissible as part of Res Gestae.
2. Part of the Same Transaction: The statements must be so closely connected with the event that they form part of the same transaction.
3. Exception to Hearsay: Since such statements are considered spontaneous and unplanned, they are treated as reliable and are allowed as an exception to the rule against hearsay.
Additional Knowledge:
(a) Confession
A confession is a voluntary statement made by an accused person acknowledging guilt. The Res Gestae rule does not apply to confessions, as they are governed by other sections of the Indian Evidence Act, such as Sections 24-30.
(b) Dying Declaration
A dying declaration is an exception to the hearsay rule but is covered separately under Section 32(1) of the Indian Evidence Act. It allows statements made by a person regarding the cause of their death to be admissible as evidence, even though the declarant cannot testify in court. However, this is a different concept from Res Gestae.
(d) Documentary Evidence
Documentary evidence refers to documents submitted as evidence in a trial. Res Gestae does not apply to documentary evidence, as it specifically pertains to statements made about events.
