Q: Explain section 14 of Indian Evidence Act, 1872 ?

Ans: The section 14 of evidence act shows the state of mind, or of body or bodily feelings.

The first part mentions the facts showing the existence of a state of mind which comprises intention, knowledge, good faith, negligence, rashness, ill-will or good-will towards a particular person, and such facts are relevant. Here the focus is given to a particular person, which means the state of mind is not towards a general person, but towards a particular person.

The second part of Section 14 says that the facts showing the existence of any state of the body or bodily feeling are relevant.

Illustration 1 : If A is accused of purchasing stolen goods and if A is found with other stolen goods which he possesses in his shop, it shows the state of mind of A.

There is a citation, i.e, Aveson vs Kinnaird (English case): A Lady made a statement about the state of her health to the insurance company that her health is well. But Insurance company claimed that the lady made false statement to them as when a visitor visited her house, the lady told him that she was not in a good state of health. This statement of the visitor was accepted by the court as well as it was held to be relevant because it shows her state of mind (which includes intention, ill-will, good faith, etc.).