Exclusion of evidence to explain or amend ambiguous document
AI Assist
Summary
If a document’s language is on its face ambiguous or has defects (for example blanks), you cannot use outside facts or evidence to explain its meaning or to fill those gaps. The court will rely on the written words and generally exclude extrinsic facts that would alter or complete the document. This prevents changing a writing by adding external details.
Example
Ravi signs a written agreement to sell a scooter to Priya for Rs. 20,000 or Rs. 25,000. At trial Ravi cannot introduce later conversations or other outside facts to prove which price was intended. The court will exclude that evidence and leave the writing ambiguous.
Bare Act
Enacted textWhen the language used in a document is, on its face, ambiguous or defective, evidence may not be given of facts which would show its meaning or supply its defects.
Illustrations
- (a) A agrees, in writing, to sell a horse of B for Rs. 1,000 or Rs. 1,500.
Evidence cannot be given to show which price was to be given.
(b) A deed contains blanks. Evidence cannot be given of facts which would show how they were meant to be filled.
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