Section 63 BSA Certificate Format PDF & Word — Free Template Download 2026

1. What Is Section 63 BSA and Why Do You Need a Certificate?

The Legal Framework

Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 governs the admissibility of electronic records in Indian courts. It replaced Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 from 1 July 2024 and applies to all cases filed after that date.

The section establishes that any electronic record — a WhatsApp chat as evidence, an email, a CCTV recording, a phone call recording, or a social media post — must be accompanied by a certificate when submitted as evidence. This certificate must:

• Identify the electronic record and describe how it was produced
• Give particulars of the device involved in producing the record
• Confirm the device was operating properly during the relevant period
• Include a SHA-256 hash value to verify file integrity
• Be signed by the person in charge of the device AND an expert (or self-certified)

Why the Certificate Is Non-Negotiable

The Supreme Court in Arjun Panditrao Khotkar v. Kailash Kushanrao Gorantyal (2020) held that the certificate is a condition precedent for admissibility. This means:

• The court cannot exercise discretion to admit the evidence without the certificate
• The certificate must be filed with the electronic record, not produced later
• Even genuine evidence is excluded entirely if the certificate is missing or defective

The Delhi High Court in Dell International Services India Private Limited v. Adeel Feroze & Ors (2024) went further. It held that mere technical compliance with the certificate format is insufficient — the party must also demonstrate the genuineness, completeness, and reliability of the record.

What Happens Without the Certificate?

2. Section 63 vs Section 65B: What Changed in 2024?

On 1 July 2024, India replaced the 152-year-old Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. This was the most significant evidence law reform in Indian history. Here is exactly what changed for electronic evidence:

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Three Biggest Changes

1. Prescribed Certificate Format
The old Section 65B had no standard template. Lawyers created their own certificates, leading to inconsistency and rejection. BSA 2023 includes a Schedule with a prescribed two-part certificate format. This removes ambiguity but also raises the bar — your certificate must match the Schedule exactly.

2. Two-Part Certificate (Part A + Part B)
The new certificate is divided into:

• Part A: Filled by the party producing the evidence (device owner)
• Part B: Filled by an expert who verifies the hash and integrity

This is the most significant structural change. The old law required one signature. The new law requires two — or at least two distinct declarations.

3. Explicit Hash Value Requirement
The Schedule explicitly asks for the HASH value of the electronic record and the hash function used (SHA-256, SHA-1, or MD5). This makes cryptographic verification mandatory, not optional. For a comprehensive deep-dive into the legal shifts, read our complete guide on Section 63 vs 65B difference.

3. The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format: Part A Explained

Part A of the certificate is filled by the person who owns or operates the device from which the electronic record was produced. For most litigants, this is you.

What Part A Must Include

The Schedule to BSA 2023 requires Part A to contain the following elements:

1. Identification of the Electronic Record
You must describe the record precisely. Vague descriptions like "my WhatsApp chat" are insufficient. Be specific:

"WhatsApp chat conversation between [Your Full Name] and [Opposing Party Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date], containing [X] text messages and [Y] media files, exported as WhatsApp_Chat_with_[Name].txt and WhatsApp_Chat_with_[Name].zip"

2. Manner of Production
Describe exactly how the record was produced:

"The above electronic record was produced by exporting the WhatsApp chat using the 'Export Chat' function on [Device Model] on [Date] at [Time]. The export was saved to [Location] and has been preserved without alteration since production."

3. Device Particulars
Identify the exact device with precision:

4. Declaration of Lawful Control

"I declare that the above-mentioned device was under my lawful control during the period of the conversation and at the time of export."

5. Statement of Proper Operation

"I declare that the device and WhatsApp application were operating properly during the relevant period and at the time of export, and that the electronic record was produced in the ordinary course of activity."

6. Hash Value (SHA-256)
Enter the 64-character hexadecimal hash value of the original exported file:

"I state that the HASH value/s of the electronic/digital record/s is: a1b2c3d4e5f6... (SHA-256)"

7. Signature, Name, Date, and Place
Your signature with full name, father's/husband's name, age, address, date (DD/MM/YYYY format), and place (City, State).

4. The Section 63 BSA Certificate Format: Part B Explained

Part B is the component that distinguishes BSA 2023 from the old Section 65B regime. The Schedule heading says "To be filled by the expert" — but the practical reality in 2026 is more nuanced.

What Part B Must Include

1. Hash Value Verification
The expert (or self-certifying party) must confirm:

"I have examined the electronic record described in Part A and verified that the SHA-256 hash value stated in Part A matches the hash value computed from the original file."

2. Integrity Confirmation

"I confirm that the file has not been altered, tampered with, or modified in any way since the hash was computed."

3. Expert Details

• Full name
• Qualification or designation
• Signature
• Date and place

Who Can Fill Part B? The Three Scenarios

The BSA is silent on who exactly qualifies as an "expert" for Part B. This has created three possible interpretations:

The controlling authority: The Andhra Pradesh High Court (May 2026) held that a self-certificate by the party is legally admissible and generally sufficient for WhatsApp messages on the party's own phone, provided the statutory requirements are met. This has become the standard practice across district and family courts in India.

5. Complete Fillable Certificate Template (Copy-Paste Ready)

Below is the exact format prescribed in the Schedule to BSA 2023, formatted for easy copy-paste. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your actual details.

6. SHA-256 Hash: How to Generate It for Your Certificate

The SHA-256 hash is the digital fingerprint of your file. It is the single most important technical element of your Section 63 certificate. Without it, your certificate is incomplete. With a mismatched hash, your evidence is compromised.

What Is a SHA-256 Hash?

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is a cryptographic function that produces a unique 64-character hexadecimal string for any file. This string is like a fingerprint — no two files have the same hash, and changing even one character changes the entire hash completely.

Example Demonstration:

Original file hash:
e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855

After adding one single comma (,):
7d8c0f9a2b1e3d4c5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8

This property makes the hash irrefutable proof of integrity. If the hash you declared in your certificate matches the hash computed from the file you submitted, the file is identical. If it doesn't match, the file was altered.

Why SHA-256 Specifically?

How to Generate SHA-256 Hash: Three Methods

Method 1: Using Chat2Evidence (Fastest & Safest)

1. Go to chat2evidence.in
2. Upload your WhatsApp export file (.txt or .zip)
3. The SHA-256 hash is computed automatically on your device — nothing is uploaded to our servers
4. The hash appears in your generated certificate exactly as the law requires
5. Download the complete certificate package

Time required: Under 60 seconds • Client-side processing — your chat never leaves your device.

Method 2: Windows PowerShell

1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (or Terminal)
2. Navigate to the folder containing your file:

   cd C:UsersYourNameDocuments

3. Run the command:

   Get-FileHash "WhatsApp_Chat.txt" -Algorithm SHA256

4. Copy the 64-character hash value that appears.

Method 3: Mac / Linux Terminal

1. Open Terminal
2. Navigate to the folder:

   cd ~/Documents

3. Run the command:

   shasum -a 256 WhatsApp_Chat.txt

4. Copy the 64-character hash value.

Method 4: Online SHA-256 Calculator (Use with Caution)

If you must use an online tool, prefer tools that compute the hash in your browser rather than uploading to a server.

Critical Rules for Hash Integrity

• Compute the hash BEFORE any processing. The hash must be of the original exported file, not a formatted copy.
• Never edit the original file after computing the hash. Any change — even adding a space — invalidates the hash.
• Store the hash securely. Write it down, save it in a separate document, and include it in your certificate immediately.
• Verify the hash before filing. Re-compute the hash of the file you are submitting to ensure it matches what you declared.

7. How to Fill the Certificate for WhatsApp Evidence (Full Example)

WhatsApp is the most common source of electronic evidence in Indian courts. Here is a complete, filled example for a WhatsApp chat certificate.

8. How to Fill the Certificate for CCTV Evidence

CCTV footage is commonly used in criminal cases, property disputes, and accident claims. The certificate format is the same, but the device particulars change.

Key Differences for CCTV Evidence

Filled Example: CCTV Evidence Certificate

9. How to Fill the Certificate for Email Evidence

Emails are used in contract disputes, employment matters, and commercial litigation.

Key Differences for Email Evidence

What to Include for Email Evidence

• Full email headers (showing sender, recipient, date, server path, Message-ID)
• Email body (complete, unedited, not truncated)
• Attachments (if material to the dispute, with individual hashes)
• Account ownership proof (login credentials confirmation, account settings screenshot)

10. 10 Common Mistakes That Get Certificates Rejected

Based on analysis of hundreds of cases and court orders, here are the mistakes that cause Section 63 certificates to be rejected — and how to avoid each one:

Mistake 1: Using the Old Section 65B Format
The Problem: Lawyers and litigants still use pre-July 2024 Section 65B templates that don't include Part B or the SHA-256 hash requirement.
The Fix: Use the current BSA 2023 Schedule format with Part A + Part B and SHA-256 hash. The template in Section 5 above is the correct format.

Mistake 2: Wrong or Missing Hash Value
The Problem: The hash in the certificate doesn't match the file, or no hash is provided at all.
The Fix: Compute the hash from the original exported file before any processing. Copy the hash exactly — 64 characters, no spaces, no line breaks. Use SHA-256, not MD5 or SHA-1.

Mistake 3: Vague Device Description
The Problem: Writing "my phone" or "Samsung mobile" is not sufficient.
The Fix: Be precise: "Samsung Galaxy S23 (SM-S911B), Android 14, One UI 6.1, WhatsApp 2.24.5.78, IMEI 354601080768901".

Mistake 4: Missing Date and Time of Export
The Problem: The certificate doesn't state when the electronic record was produced.
The Fix: Always include the exact date (DD/MM/YYYY) and time (24-hour format) of export.

Mistake 5: Wrong Signatory for Part B
The Problem: Part B is signed by a lawyer, friend, or random person who has no connection to the device.
The Fix: Part B should be signed by either the same person who signed Part A (self-certification) or a digital forensics expert who independently verified the hash.

Mistake 6: Notarising Instead of Using the Proper Certificate
The Problem: People get their screenshots notarised thinking it satisfies the legal requirement.
The Fix: Notarisation is not what the law requires. The Section 63 certificate is a separate, specific document. A notary stamp on a screenshot does not replace the certificate.

Mistake 7: Editing the Original File After Computing the Hash
The Problem: You compute the hash, then open the file to "clean it up" or reformat it.
The Fix: Never edit the original file. If you need a formatted version for court, work on a copy. The hash must match the file you submit.

Mistake 8: Filing the Certificate Separately from the Evidence
The Problem: The certificate is filed days or weeks after the electronic record.
The Fix: File both together. The certificate must accompany the record at the time it is tendered as evidence.

Mistake 9: Omitting the Opposing Party's Identity
The Problem: The certificate describes "a WhatsApp chat" without identifying who the other party is.
The Fix: Name the opposing party and link their phone number to their identity using call logs or other corroborating evidence.

Mistake 10: Using MD5 or SHA-1 Hash
The Problem: The certificate lists an MD5 or SHA-1 hash, which are cryptographically deprecated.
The Fix: Always use SHA-256. It is the only algorithm that will satisfy a scrutinizing court in 2026.

11. Who Can Sign Part B? Self-Certification vs Expert

This is the most confusing aspect of Section 63 BSA — and getting it wrong can invalidate your entire certificate. Let us settle this definitively.

The Legal Text

Section 63(4)(c) of the BSA says the certificate must be:

"purporting to be signed by a person in charge of the computer or communication device or the management of the relevant activities (whichever is appropriate) and an expert"

The Schedule heading for Part B says: "To be filled by the expert".

Scenario 1: Self-Certification (Most Common)

Who signs Part B: The same person who signed Part A (the device owner).
When to use: Routine district court, family court, and magistrate court matters where the evidence comes from your own personal device.
Legal basis: The Andhra Pradesh High Court (May 2026) held that a self-certificate by the party is legally admissible and generally sufficient for WhatsApp messages on the party's own phone, provided the statutory requirements are met.

How to do it: Sign Part A as device owner. Sign Part B as the "expert" who verified the hash. Your designation is "Device Owner and Operator".

• Pros: 100% Free, zero expert fees, instantaneous, accepted across Indian trial courts.
• Cons: May face technical objections in contested High Court trials.

Scenario 2: Independent Expert Verification

Who signs Part B: A separate digital forensics consultant or IT professional.
When to use: High Court proceedings, high-stakes commercial disputes (₹1 crore+), severe criminal cases, or deleted message recovery.
Cost: Typically ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 and 3–7 days turnaround.

Scenario 3: Court-Appointed Expert

Who signs Part B: An expert appointed by the court under Section 39(2) BSA.
When to use: Rare — only when the trial judge orders formal forensic examination.

The Practical Rule for 2026

12. Frequently Asked Questions (25+ Questions Answered)

13. Free Resources: Templates, Checklists & Tools

We believe every litigant should have access to the tools they need to present their evidence correctly. Here are free resources to help you prepare your Section 63 BSA certificate:

Free Download: Section 63 BSA Certificate Template (PDF & Word)

A blank, fillable certificate template in the exact BSA 2023 Schedule format. You can copy the template from Section 5 into Microsoft Word or your preferred word processor.

Interactive WhatsApp Evidence Court Checklist

Why Chat2Evidence Is the Best Way to Generate Your Certificate

We built Chat2Evidence because we saw a problem: millions of Indians have genuine, case-winning evidence on their phones — but they lose in court because they don't know how to package it correctly.

A Section 63 BSA certificate is not a technicality. It is the mandatory gateway through which every piece of electronic evidence must pass before an Indian court will consider it. No certificate means no evidence — regardless of how genuine your WhatsApp chats are.

Preparing the certificate manually is confusing, time-consuming, and error-prone:

• One wrong detail — a mismatched hash, a missing device specification, an incorrect date format — and your evidence is rejected
• Computing the SHA-256 hash requires technical knowledge most litigants don't have
• Formatting thousands of messages into a court-admissible table takes hours
• One mistake in Part A or Part B invalidates the entire certificate

Chat2Evidence automates the entire process in under 60 seconds:

1. Upload your WhatsApp export (.txt or .zip) — your chat never leaves your device
2. Fill in your details — name, court, device model, opposing party name
3. We compute the SHA-256 hash automatically — on your device, not our servers
4. We generate the complete Section 63 BSA certificate — Part A and Part B, in the exact Schedule format
5. We format your chat as a structured court table — easy for judges to read
6. You download the complete evidence package — certificate + formatted chat + cover page

Related Electronic Evidence & Legal Strategy Guides

Conclusion

The Section 63 BSA certificate is not optional. It is not a formality. It is the mandatory legal requirement that stands between your electronic evidence and the judge who will decide your case.

From the Supreme Court in 2020 to the Delhi High Court in 2024 to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2026, every court has said the same thing: no certificate, no evidence.

Compliance is straightforward if you follow the right process:

1. Export your electronic record correctly (don't screenshot)
2. Compute and record the SHA-256 hash
3. Fill Part A with precise device details
4. Fill Part B with hash verification (self-certify for routine matters)
5. File everything together at the admissibility stage

Your evidence is real. Make sure the court sees it.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law and court practice in this area continues to evolve. Always consult a qualified advocate for guidance specific to your case, court, and jurisdiction.