Any witness may be asked, whilst under examination, whether any contract, grant or other disposition of property, as to which he is giving evidence, was not contained in a document, and if he says that it was, or if he is about to make any statement as to the contents of any document, which, in the opinion of the Court, ought to be produced, the adverse party may object to such evidence being given until such document is produced, or until facts have been proved which entitle the party who called the witness to give secondary evidence of it.
Explanation. - A witness may give oral evidence of statements made by other persons about the contents of documents if such statements are in themselves relevant facts.
Illustrations
The question is, whether A assaulted B.
C deposes that he heard A say to D - "B wrote a letter accusing me of theft, and I will be revenged on him." This statement is relevant, as showing A's motive for the assault, and evidence may be given of it, though no other evidence is given about the letter.
Section 142 When they must not be asked
Section 143 When they may be asked
Section 144 Evidence as to matters in writing
Section 145 Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
Section 146 Questions lawful in cross-examination
Section 147 When witness to be compelled to answer
Section 148 Court to decide when question shall be asked and when witness compelled to answer
Section 149 Question not to be asked without reasonable grounds
Section 150 Procedure of Court in case of question being asked without reasonable grounds