During a court trial, the defence lawyer objects to the admissibility of certain papers produced as evidence. The judge clarifies that only documents categorized as public documents under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, can be accepted without strict proof. Which category of documents would fall under public documents in this context?
Explanation & Strategy
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Under the Evidence Act (S.74), 'public documents' include: (1) documents forming acts of sovereign authority, (2) records of official bodies and tribunals, and (3) documents of public officers — legislative, judicial, and executive. Private documents like draft agreements, personal diaries, and internal company notes are NOT public documents. Only judicial and executive acts of public officers qualify.