Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter XXV: Evidence in Inquiries and Trials · A.—Mode of taking and recording evidence
Section 309: Record in summons-cases and inquiries
In plain words
In summons-cases, land and water dispute inquiries under sections 164 to 167, and certain proceedings under section 491, the Magistrate writes a memorandum of the substance of each witness's evidence in the court's language as it is given, or has it written from dictation in open court if unable, and signs it.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
(1) In all summons-cases tried before a Magistrate, in all inquiries under sections 164 to 167 (both inclusive), and in all proceedings under section 491 otherwise than in the course of a trial, the Magistrate shall, as the examination of each witness proceeds, make a memorandum of the substance of the evidence in the language of the Court:
Provided that if the Magistrate is unable to make such memorandum himself, he shall, after recording the reason of his inability, cause such memorandum to be made in writing or from his dictation in open Court.
(2) Such memorandum shall be signed by the Magistrate and shall form part of the record.
Corresponding sections were matched by comparing the wording of both official texts, and for the IPC and BNS, also against a published correspondence table. Wording, punishments and structure often changed, so read both sections before relying on the match.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 12 September 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 309
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.