No such question as is referred to in section 148 ought to be asked, unless the person asking it has reasonable grounds for thinking that the imputation which it conveys is well-founded.
Illustrations
(a) A barrister is instructed by an attorney or vakil that an important witness
is a dakait. This is a reasonable ground for asking the witness whether he is a
dakait.
(b) A pleader is informed by a person in Court that an important witness is a dakait. The informant, on being questioned by the pleader, gives satisfactory reasons for his statement. This is a reasonable ground for asking the witness whether he is a dakait.
(c) A witness, of whom nothing whatever is known is asked at random whether he is a dakait. There are here no reasonable ground for the question.
(d) A witness, of whom nothing whatever is known, being questioned as to his mode of life and means of living, gives unsatisfactory answers. This may be a reasonable ground for asking him if he is a dakait.
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