Document
Ordinarily the word "document" denotes a textual record. Increasingly sophisticated attempts to provide access to the rapidly growing quantity of available documents raised questions about which should be considered a "document".
Three Acts refer to the word "Document" in very similar terms:
1. Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 states that a "Document" means any matter
expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks or by more than one of those means, intended to be used or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter.
A writing is a document;
Words printed, lithographed or photographed are document;
A map or plan is a document;
An inscription on a metal plate or stone is a document;
A caricature is a document.
2. Section 3(18) of the General Clauses Act, 1897, states that a "Document" shall include any matter written, expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters,figures, or marks
or by more than one of those means, which is intended to be used or which may be used for the purpose of recording that matter.
3. Section 29 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, “The word ‘Document’ denotes any matter
expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures, or marks or by more than one of those means, intended to be used or which may be used as evidence of that matter”.
Thus the word "Document" has been used in a wide sense and it includes instruments, deeds,
agreements etc. Documents will also include Electronic records.
