Multiple choice

For deciding whether or not a witness shall be compelled to answer questions, the court shall have regard to considerations which include as to whether such questions are

  1. proper if the truth of imputation conveyed thereby would seriously affect the opinion of the court as to the credibility of the witness on the subject matter of his deposition

  2. improper if the truth of imputation conveyed thereby would affect in a slight degree the opinion of the court as to the credibility of the witness on the subject matter of his deposition

  3. Both (1) and (2)

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Under Section 132 of the Evidence Act, a witness may be compelled to answer questions that would expose the witness to a criminal charge or penalty if the question is proper for establishing the witness's credibility. Courts consider both whether the imputation's truth would seriously affect credibility (making the question proper) and whether it would only slightly affect credibility (making it improper). The law balances the need for truthful testimony against witness protection. Both statements correctly reflect the court's dual consideration of seriousness and the degree of impact on credibility.

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