Impact of technology on the law of evidence'

  • Unique Paper ID: 199909
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 5-7
  • Abstract:
  • The rapid advancement of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the traditional framework of the law of evidence. Contemporary legal systems increasingly rely on electronic records such as emails, social media communications, CCTV footage, and digital forensic data, thereby expanding the scope of admissible evidence beyond conventional oral and documentary forms. In India, legislative developments—particularly the Information Technology Act, 2000 and amendments to the Indian Evidence Act, 1872—have provided statutory recognition to electronic evidence, especially under Sections 65A and 65B. However, the integration of technology into evidentiary processes presents complex challenges relating to admissibility, authenticity, integrity, and reliability. Strict procedural requirements, such as certification under Section 65B, have often resulted in the exclusion of otherwise relevant evidence. Additionally, issues such as cyber manipulation, lack of technical expertise among legal professionals, and inadequate forensic infrastructure further complicate judicial evaluation. This article critically examines the evolution of the law of evidence in the digital era, analyzes the legal framework governing electronic evidence, and highlights the challenges faced by courts in adapting to technological advancements. It also explores comparative international practices and suggests reforms aimed at balancing technological innovation with fundamental principles of justice.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{199909,
        author = {Bala Murugan.P and Megavannan .N},
        title = {Impact of technology on the law of evidence'},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {5-7},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=199909},
        abstract = {The rapid advancement of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the traditional framework of the law of evidence. Contemporary legal systems increasingly rely on electronic records such as emails, social media communications, CCTV footage, and digital forensic data, thereby expanding the scope of admissible evidence beyond conventional oral and documentary forms. In India, legislative developments—particularly the Information Technology Act, 2000 and amendments to the Indian Evidence Act, 1872—have provided statutory recognition to electronic evidence, especially under Sections 65A and 65B.
However, the integration of technology into evidentiary processes presents complex challenges relating to admissibility, authenticity, integrity, and reliability. Strict procedural requirements, such as certification under Section 65B, have often resulted in the exclusion of otherwise relevant evidence. Additionally, issues such as cyber manipulation, lack of technical expertise among legal professionals, and inadequate forensic infrastructure further complicate judicial evaluation.
This article critically examines the evolution of the law of evidence in the digital era, analyzes the legal framework governing electronic evidence, and highlights the challenges faced by courts in adapting to technological advancements. It also explores comparative international practices and suggests reforms aimed at balancing technological innovation with fundamental principles of justice.},
        keywords = {Electronic Evidence; Digital Technology; Admissibility; Section 65B; Indian Evidence Act; Cybercrime; Digital Forensics; Authenticity; Information Technology Act; Judicial Interpretation.},
        month = {May},
        }

Cite This Article

Murugan.P, B., & .N, M. (2026). Impact of technology on the law of evidence'. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 12(12), 5–7.

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