Under the Indian Evidence Act, there is a distinction between relevant facts and facts in issue. Understanding this distinction is crucial for determining the admissibility and relevance of evidence in legal proceedings.

Relevant Facts:

Relevant facts, as defined in Section 5 of the Indian Evidence Act, are those facts that are connected with or are deemed to be relevant to the fact in issue or the subject matter of the case. Relevant facts are the facts that directly or indirectly prove or disprove the existence of a fact in question. They are essential for ascertaining the truth and determining the rights and liabilities of the parties involved in a case.

For example, in a case of theft, the fact that the accused was seen near the scene of the crime with stolen goods would be a relevant fact as it helps establish the connection between the accused and the crime.

Facts in Issue:

Facts in issue, also known as material facts or ultimate facts, are the specific facts that form the subject matter of the dispute in a legal proceeding. These are the facts that the court or the parties seek to prove or disprove in order to establish their claims or defenses. Facts in issue are typically defined by the pleadings of the parties and are determined by the specific legal elements or issues involved in the case.

For example, in a case of contract dispute, the existence of a valid contract, the breach of contract, or the performance of contractual obligations would be considered facts in issue.

The distinction between relevant facts and facts in issue lies in their relationship to the subject matter of the case. Relevant facts are those that have a logical connection to the facts in issue and help in establishing or disproving them. They provide the evidentiary basis for proving or rebutting the facts in issue. On the other hand, facts in issue are the specific facts that need to be established or disproved for a determination of the case.

It is important to note that while all facts in issue are relevant, not all relevant facts are necessarily facts in issue. Relevant facts may include collateral facts, background information, or facts that provide context to the main issue. The admissibility and weight of relevant facts and facts in issue are determined by the court based on the rules of evidence and their relevance to the case at hand.