Section 63 BSA Certificate Format Word & PDF Download

Looking for the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format? You are in the right place. This guide provides the official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format prescribed under Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA). It also explains how to fill the certificate correctly, who should sign it, and when it is required for producing electronic evidence before a court.

You can also download the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF and an editable Word format for drafting and filing the certificate in appropriate cases. Whether you need the certificate for WhatsApp chats, emails, CCTV footage, call recordings, screenshots, or other electronic records, this guide will help you understand the prescribed format and its practical use in legal proceedings.

Table of Contents

What is the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format?

The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format is the prescribed form used to certify electronic records under Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA). Instead of allowing parties to use any self-prepared certificate, the law requires that the certificate be in the format set out in the Schedule appended to Section 63.

The Schedule divides the certificate into Part A and Part B, each serving a distinct purpose. Together, these parts establish the authenticity and reliability of the electronic record sought to be produced as evidence before a court or other legal authority.

Part A contains details of the electronic record, the device or computer system from which it was produced, and other technical particulars necessary to identify the record.

Part B contains the certification by the person occupying a responsible official position in relation to the operation of the relevant device or the management of the relevant activities. The certifying person confirms that the conditions prescribed under Section 63 have been satisfied and that the accompanying electronic record is a true and accurate reproduction.

The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF follows this statutory Schedule. Since the format is prescribed by law, it should be used without altering its essential structure or omitting any mandatory particulars. An incomplete or improperly prepared certificate may affect the admissibility of the electronic evidence during judicial proceedings.

Official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format

The official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format is prescribed in the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Unlike the former Section 65B certificate under the Indian Evidence Act, the BSA now provides a standardized statutory format consisting of Part A and Part B for certifying electronic records.

To ensure compliance with the law, the certificate should follow the prescribed Schedule without omitting any mandatory particulars. The format below reproduces the statutory certificate in a reader-friendly and fillable form.

Official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format
(As prescribed in the Schedule to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023)

PART A
(To be filled by the Party)

[Insert the complete statutory text of Part A exactly as it appears in the Schedule.]

PART B
(To be filled by the Expert)

[Insert the complete statutory text of Part B exactly as it appears in the Schedule.]

Need a editable version? Download the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF or the editable Word version below for convenient drafting and filing.

Editable Section 63 BSA Certificate Format (Word & PDF)

Preparing a Section 63 BSA Certificate from scratch can be time-consuming, especially when accuracy is essential for court proceedings. To make the process easier, we have prepared editable versions of the official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format based on the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Choose the format that best suits your requirements:

📄 Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF

Download a print-ready PDF version of the statutory certificate. This format is ideal if you wish to print the certificate and complete it manually before signing.

Download: Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF

📝 Section 63 BSA Certificate Word Format (Editable)

Download an editable Microsoft Word version to enter the required details electronically. This format is particularly useful for advocates, law firms, investigating agencies, forensic experts, and organisations that frequently prepare certificates for electronic evidence.

Download: Section 63 BSA Certificate Word Format

Note: These templates are intended to reproduce the statutory format prescribed under Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023. Before filing the certificate in any legal proceeding, ensure that all particulars are accurately completed and that the certificate is signed by the person legally competent to certify the electronic record.

How to Fill the Section 63 BSA Certificate

Filling the Section 63 BSA Certificate correctly is as important as producing the electronic record itself. An incomplete or inaccurate certificate may result in objections regarding the admissibility or authenticity of the electronic evidence. Each field in the certificate should be completed carefully and based on the actual device and electronic record being relied upon.

1. Name of the Person Giving the Certificate

Enter the full name of the person who is issuing the certificate. This should be the individual who is legally competent to certify the electronic record under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Avoid using initials or abbreviations if the full name is available.

2. Description of the Device

Clearly identify the device from which the electronic record was produced. Mention the type of device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, desktop computer, CCTV DVR, server, external hard drive, or cloud-based system. Where possible, include the manufacturer and model number to uniquely identify the device.

Example:
Apple iPhone 15 Pro, Dell Latitude 5440 Laptop, Hikvision DVR Model DS-7208HQHI-K1.

3. IMEI Number (For Mobile Devices)

If the electronic record has been extracted from a mobile phone or tablet, mention the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Dual SIM devices generally have two IMEI numbers, both of which should be recorded wherever applicable.

If the electronic record was not generated from a mobile device, this field may be marked as “Not Applicable (N/A)”.

4. Serial Number

Record the serial number or other unique identification number of the device. This enables the court to distinguish the device from any other similar device and helps maintain the integrity of the chain of evidence.

For devices that do not have a visible serial number, mention another unique identifier, if available.

5. Hash Value

The hash value is a unique digital fingerprint of the electronic record. It demonstrates that the file has not been altered after it was created or extracted.

Where a forensic acquisition has been carried out, mention the hash algorithm used, such as MD5, SHA-1, or preferably SHA-256, together with the complete hash value generated during the extraction process.

Example:

Algorithm: SHA-256
Hash Value: 3f2c8d7d4a1b9e6f...

If no hash value has been generated, mention this fact only if appropriate and ensure it does not conflict with the requirements of the case.

6. Date

Mention the date on which the certificate is executed. This should ordinarily be the date on which the certificate is prepared and signed after verifying the electronic record.

Use a clear date format, such as 01 August 2026, to avoid ambiguity.

7. Signature

The certificate must be signed by the person issuing it. Where the certificate is executed on behalf of an organisation or government department, mention the signatory’s name, designation, office address, and official seal, if applicable.

If the certificate is digitally signed in accordance with applicable law, ensure that the digital signature is valid and capable of verification.

Practical Tip: Before signing the certificate, verify that all device details, identifiers, dates, and technical information exactly match the accompanying electronic record. Even minor inconsistencies, such as an incorrect IMEI number, serial number, or hash value, may invite challenges during trial or cross-examination.

Need a Section 63 BSA Certificate? You may email us at section69bns@gmail.com for assistance in preparing a Section 63 BSA Certificate in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.

Who Should Sign Part A of the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

Part A of the Section 63 BSA Certificate is to be completed and signed by the party producing the electronic record before the court or other legal proceeding. The purpose of Part A is to identify the electronic evidence, describe the source from which it was obtained, and provide the relevant particulars required under the prescribed Schedule.

Depending on the facts of the case, the person signing Part A may include:

The complainant or informant.
The accused, if relying on electronic evidence in defence.
A litigant in a civil proceeding.
An authorised representative of a company, bank, government department, or other organisation producing the electronic record.
Any other person who is producing or relying upon the electronic record in the proceedings.

The person signing Part A should ensure that all details, including the description of the electronic record, device particulars, dates, and other identifying information, are complete and accurate. Incorrect or incomplete information may raise questions about the authenticity or reliability of the electronic evidence.

It is important to understand that signing Part A does not, by itself, certify the technical integrity of the electronic record. Part A primarily records the particulars of the electronic evidence being produced. The technical certification required under the statutory format is addressed separately in Part B, which is to be completed by the designated expert in accordance with the Schedule prescribed under Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Who Should Sign Part B of the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

Part B of the Section 63 BSA Certificate is to be completed and signed by the Expert, as expressly provided in the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

The Expert certifies the technical aspects of the electronic record and confirms that the certificate has been prepared after examining the relevant electronic record, device, or data in accordance with the requirements of Section 63. The certification in Part B is intended to provide assurance regarding the authenticity and integrity of the electronic evidence being produced before the court.

The person signing Part B should possess the necessary expertise to examine the electronic record and should be competent to make the technical certifications required under the statutory format. Depending on the nature of the case, this may include:

A forensic expert from a government forensic science laboratory (FSL).
A digital forensics expert.
A cyber forensic examiner.
Another person qualified to examine and certify electronic records in accordance with law.

The Expert should carefully verify the particulars mentioned in the certificate, including the electronic record, device identifiers, extraction process, and any hash values or technical information, before signing Part B.

Important: Part B should be signed only by the Expert identified in the statutory Schedule. The party producing the electronic record should not sign Part B unless that person is also acting in the capacity of the Expert as contemplated by the Schedule. Using the correct signatory helps ensure that the certificate complies with the format prescribed under Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 and reduces the likelihood of objections regarding the admissibility of the electronic evidence.

Common Mistakes While Preparing a Section 63 BSA Certificate

Even a well-drafted Section 63 BSA Certificate can face objections if it is incomplete or does not comply with the statutory requirements. The following are some of the most common mistakes that parties, advocates, and investigators should avoid.

1. Incomplete Device Details

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to properly identify the device from which the electronic record was produced. Omitting details such as the device type, manufacturer, model number, IMEI number (where applicable), or serial number can make it difficult to establish the source of the electronic evidence.

2. Not Mentioning the Hash Value

Where a hash value has been generated during the extraction or forensic examination of the electronic record, it should be accurately mentioned in the certificate. The hash value helps demonstrate that the electronic record has remained unchanged and has not been tampered with after its creation or extraction.

3. Certificate Signed by the Wrong Person

The Schedule clearly distinguishes between Part A, which is to be completed by the Party, and Part B, which is to be completed by the Expert. A certificate signed by an incorrect or unauthorised person may invite objections regarding its compliance with Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

4. Failure to Attach Relevant Annexures

The certificate should be accompanied by the relevant electronic record and any supporting documents referred to in it. Depending on the facts of the case, this may include screenshots, chat exports, email printouts, CCTV footage, call recordings, forensic reports, hash value reports, or other technical documents. Missing annexures may make it difficult for the court to correlate the certificate with the electronic evidence being relied upon.

5. Using the Old Section 65B Certificate Format

After the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 came into force, electronic evidence is governed by Section 63 BSA. A common mistake is continuing to use the old Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 certificate without adapting it to the statutory Schedule prescribed under Section 63(4)(c). For proceedings governed by the BSA, parties should ensure that they use the prescribed Section 63 BSA Certificate Format.

Practical Tip: Before filing the certificate, verify that every field has been completed, all technical details match the electronic record, the correct person has signed the relevant part of the certificate, and all supporting annexures are attached. A careful review at this stage can help avoid unnecessary objections during the trial.

Difference Between the Section 65B Certificate and the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format

The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format replaces the Section 65B Certificate that was previously used under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. While both certificates serve the purpose of supporting the admissibility of electronic records, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 has introduced a new statutory framework and a prescribed format.

The following table highlights the key differences:

Particular	Section 65B Certificate	Section 63 BSA Certificate
Governing Law	Indian Evidence Act, 1872	Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Relevant Provision	Section 65B(4)	Section 63(4)(c)
Prescribed Format	No statutory Schedule. The law prescribed the contents of the certificate, but not a standard form.	A statutory Schedule prescribes the certificate format consisting of Part A and Part B.
Structure	Usually drafted in different formats by advocates, organisations, or investigating agencies.	Uniform format prescribed by the Schedule to the BSA.
Technical Certification	Based on the requirements of Section 65B(4).	Based on the requirements and format prescribed under Section 63 of the BSA.
Applicable Cases	Proceedings governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.	Proceedings governed by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Should You Still Use the Section 65B Certificate?

The answer depends on which evidence law applies to your case.

If the proceedings are governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, the Section 65B Certificate continues to be relevant. However, if the proceedings are governed by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, parties should use the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format prescribed in the statutory Schedule.

Using the wrong certificate may lead to objections during the trial, particularly where the applicable evidence law requires compliance with a different statutory framework.

Important: The Section 63 BSA Certificate is not merely a renumbered Section 65B Certificate. It introduces a prescribed statutory format with separate Part A and Part B, making it essential for parties, investigating agencies, and legal practitioners to use the correct format in proceedings governed by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is there an official Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF?

Yes. The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format is prescribed in the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. You can use a PDF version that faithfully reproduces the statutory format for printing and filing in appropriate legal proceedings.

Q. Can I download the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format?

Yes. This page provides downloadable versions of the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format, including a print-ready PDF, an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) version, and a fillable PDF. These formats are designed to help advocates, litigants, investigating agencies, and forensic professionals prepare the certificate in accordance with the statutory Schedule.

Q. Is the Section 63 BSA Certificate available in Word format?

Yes. An editable Section 63 BSA Certificate Word Format (.docx) is available for users who wish to complete the certificate electronically before printing or digitally signing it. The Word version follows the statutory format prescribed under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Q. Is Part B of the Section 63 BSA Certificate mandatory?

The statutory Schedule requires the certificate to contain both Part A and Part B. Part A is to be completed by the Party, while Part B is to be completed by the Expert. Since the Schedule prescribes both parts, the certificate should ordinarily be prepared in the prescribed format applicable to the case.

Q. Can a lawyer sign the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

A lawyer does not sign the certificate merely because they represent a party. Part A should be completed by the Party, while Part B is to be completed by the Expert, as specified in the statutory Schedule. Whether a particular advocate can sign any part of the certificate depends on whether they fall within the category of persons contemplated by the law for that specific part.

Q. Can the Section 63 BSA Certificate be filed later?

Whether a certificate can be produced at a later stage depends on the facts of the case, the stage of the proceedings, and the applicable judicial precedents. Courts have, in different contexts, considered requests to produce certificates after the electronic record has been filed. However, parties should prepare and file the certificate at the earliest possible stage to avoid procedural objections and unnecessary delays.

Q. Is the Section 63 BSA Certificate mandatory for WhatsApp chats, emails, CCTV footage, and call recordings?

Where a party seeks to rely on electronic records such as WhatsApp messages, emails, CCTV footage, call recordings, screenshots, or digital photographs, compliance with the requirements of Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 should be carefully considered. The necessity and manner of certification will depend on the nature of the electronic record and the facts of the case.

Q. Can I use the old Section 65B Certificate Format instead of the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

For proceedings governed by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, parties should use the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format prescribed in the statutory Schedule. The old Section 65B Certificate continues to be relevant only in proceedings governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Q. Who can prepare the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

The certificate is prepared in accordance with the statutory Schedule. Part A is completed by the Party, while Part B is completed by the Expert. Each person should complete only the portion assigned to them under the Schedule.

Q. Is there any prescribed government format for the Section 63 BSA Certificate?

Yes. The format is prescribed in the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Since the format is statutory, parties should avoid modifying its essential structure or omitting any mandatory particulars while preparing the certificate.

Conclusion

The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format is now the prescribed statutory format for certifying electronic records under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Since the Schedule appended to Section 63(4)(c) lays down the format to be used, parties should ensure that the certificate is prepared accurately, all mandatory particulars are completed, and the appropriate persons sign Part A and Part B.

Whether you are relying on WhatsApp chats, emails, CCTV footage, call recordings, screenshots, digital photographs, or any other electronic record, using the correct Section 63 BSA Certificate Format is essential to support the admissibility and authenticity of the evidence before the court.

To make the process easier, you can download the Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF, use the editable Word format, or complete the fillable PDF available on this page. Before filing the certificate, carefully verify the device details, technical information, annexures, and signatures to minimise the risk of objections during legal proceedings.

If you need practical guidance on preparing the certificate, understanding who should sign it, or dealing with objections relating to electronic evidence, explore our other guides on Section 63 BSA and electronic evidence under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers who wish to stay updated on developments related to Section 69 BNS, may join our WhatsApp Legal Awareness Community by clicking here.