Indian Penal Code, 1860
29.
"Document"
The word
"document" denotes any matter expressed or described upon any
substance by means of letters, figures, or marks, or by more than one of those
means, intended to be used, or which may be used, as evidence of that matter.
Explanation 1- It is immaterial by what means or upon what substance the
letters, figures or marks are formed, or whether the evidence is intended for,
or may be used in, a Court of Justice, or not.
Illustrations
A writing expressing
the terms of a contract, which may be used as evidence of the contract, is a
document.
A cheque upon a banker
is a document.
A power-of-attorney is
a document.
A map or plan which is
intended to be used or which may be used as evidence, is a document.
Explanation 2- Whatever is expressed by means of letters, figures or
marks as explained by mercantile or other usage, shall be deemed to be
expressed by such letters, figures or marks within the meaning of this section,
although the same may not be actually expressed.
Illustration
A writes his name on
the back of a bill of exchange payable to his order. The meaning of the
endorsement, as explained by mercantile usage, is that the bill is to be paid
to the holder. The endorsement is a document, and must be construed in the same
manner as if the words "pay to the holder" or words to that effect
had been written over the signature.