Are Call Recording And Chat Logs Permissible Evidence?

With the widespread use of telecommunication and digital messaging, call recordings and chat logs have become critical forms of electronic evidence in legal disputes. However, their admissibility is governed by specific legal provisions to ensure they are reliable, lawfully obtained, and protect privacy rights.

Legal Framework Governing Admissibility

Indian Evidence Act, 1872 – Sections 65A and 65B

• Section 65A defines electronic records as admissible evidence.
• Section 65B prescribes the procedure and conditions for admitting electronic records, including call recordings and chat logs.
• A certificate of authenticity, signed by a person responsible for the electronic record system, must accompany the evidence to prove that the record is genuine and unaltered.

Consent and Privacy Requirements

• One-Party Consent Rule: In India, recording a conversation is generally permissible if at least one party to the conversation consents to the recording.
• No Consent or Third-Party Recording: Recording without consent of any party can be considered illegal interception under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act (though Section 66A itself was struck down, other related provisions apply), and may lead to evidence being inadmissible or subject to legal penalties.
• Unauthorized recording may violate the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Authenticity and Integrity of Evidence

• The party presenting the recording must prove that the evidence is original, unaltered, and preserved with proper chain of custody.
• For chat logs, metadata (timestamps, sender/receiver info) may be used to establish authenticity.

Legal Exceptions

• Courts may admit recordings without consent if they reveal commission of a crime or are in the interest of justice.
• The probative value of such evidence is balanced against the invasion of privacy concerns.

Practical Considerations

• Ensure proper storage and backup of recordings to avoid tampering allegations.
• Maintain logs of recording time, date, and consent obtained.
• Use professional forensic methods to verify electronic records if contested.

Consequences of Illegally Obtained Recordings

• Evidence may be rejected by courts.
• The recorder may face civil or criminal liability for breach of privacy or unauthorized interception.
• Possible penalties under the Information Technology Act or other applicable laws.

Example

A consumer disputes a billing error and records a phone call with the service provider admitting the mistake. The consumer submits this call recording in a consumer court case.

Legal Outcome:

• If the consumer was a party to the call and the recording is authentic, the evidence is likely admissible under Sections 65A and 65B of the Indian Evidence Act.
• The court will assess the recording’s relevance and authenticity before considering it in its judgment.