138. Order of examinations.
Witnesses shall be first examined-in-chief then (if the adverse party so desires) cross- examined, then (if the party calling him so desires) re-examined.
The examination and cross-examination must relate to relevant facts but the cross- examination need not to be confined to the facts which the witness testified on his examination-in-chief.
Direction of re-examination-
The re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred to in cross- examination, and if new matter by permission of the Court, introduced in re- examination, the adverse party may further cross-examine upon that matter.
*Cross-Examination- Cross examination of plaintiff without conducting examination in chief of plaintiff is not permissible. Under section 138 cross-examination follows chief-examination but not without chief-examination.
Related Case- Smt. Shardamma v. Kenchamma 2007
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- Section 513 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - 12th March 2026
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- Section 515 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - 12th March 2026
