Introduction to Questioned Document and Its Classification

Introduction to Questioned Document and Its Classification

Objectives

1. What is a document

2. Questioned document

3. Classification of Documents

   • Questioned document and standard documents

   • Requested sample and admitted sample

   • Different types of documents based on nature

4. Classification of document based on visibility

   • Latent or patent

What is a Document

• According to Section 3 of Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and Section 29 of Indian Penal Code, a document may be defined as under:

“Document means 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 for purpose of recording that matter.”

• A document is something that keeps a record of events or things so that we don't forget the information.

• Most times, documents are written, but they can also be made with pictures and sounds.

Examples

• A writing is a document

• Words printed or photographed are documents

• A map or plan is a document

• An inscription on a metal plate or stone is a document

• A newspaper is a document

Questioned Document

Any questioned document refers to:

1. A piece of writing whose authenticity is challenged

2. Any document that is potentially disputed in the court of law

3. These types of documents are also referred to as disputed or contested documents

A Document Can Be Questioned If

1. Unknown source of documents

2. Authenticity is questioned

3. Conflict attached

4. Author unknown

5. Bank cheque – addition of number like 0 in amount or signature can be challenged

6. Wills – change in names and property amount or alteration in wills

7. Currency notes – fake or original

8. Suicide notes – whether written by the same person or not

9. Passports – original or fake

10. Age of a document can be challenged (e.g., historical manuscripts)

11. Ink examination etc.

Classification of Documents

1. Classification of documents based on forensic purpose

B. Questioned Document

• Holographic Documents

A. Standard Documents

• Requested Documents

• Admitted Documents

Questioned Documents

• Questioned documents are any documents whose authenticity, origin, or authorship is in doubt and may be subject to forensic examination—often in legal or criminal investigations.

A document becomes questioned when:

• Its signature, handwriting, or content is disputed

• It may have been altered, forged, or tampered with

• Its source, date, or method of creation is unclear

• Questioned documents are marked as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc.

Holographic Document

• These are handwritten documents created and signed entirely by the person to whom they belong — no typing, printing, or digital tools involved.

• They are most commonly associated with wills, but can also include letters, contracts, or other legal declarations.

• Validity varies by jurisdiction: some countries accept holographic wills as legally binding, while others require witnesses or notarization.

• Authenticity can be challenged and may require handwriting analysis.

Examples

• A soldier writing a will in the field

• A person jotting down final wishes during a medical emergency

• A personal letter acknowledging debt

Standard Documents

• A standard document is a document which may be pre-written or can be made to write for the purpose of comparison.

Standard documents are of two types:

1. Admitted Document

• An admitted document refers to a piece of writing or signature that is acknowledged as genuine by the person involved.

• Typically accepted by the suspect or the person whose handwriting is under examination.

• Includes pre-written documents such as:

  • Notes

  • Answer sheets

  • Bank signatures

• These documents are used to compare the questioned document to determine genuineness.

• Marking format: A1, A2, A3, etc.

2. Requested Documents

• A requested document is a handwriting or signature specimen written at the request of investigators or forensic experts for comparison.

• Also called requested exemplar or requested known specimen.

• Written under controlled conditions, usually in the presence of a witness.

Requested samples help forensic document examiners to:

• Match letter shapes, slants, spacing, and pressure patterns

• Reproduce the same words or phrases found in the questioned document

• Ensure authenticity because the sample is written on the spot

Classification of Documents Based on Nature

1. Bank Documents

• Fixed Deposit / Time Deposit Receipts

• Bonds

• Specimen signature cards

• Account opening forms

• Cheques and drafts

2. Educational Documents

• Migration / Registration certificates

• Date of Birth certificates

• Transfer certificates

• Mark sheets

• Diploma / Degree certificates

3. Property Documents

• Property papers

• Bills

• Wills

4. Personal / Security Documents

• PAN card

• Aadhaar card

• Family ID

• Passports

5. Miscellaneous Documents

• Suicide notes

• Holographic documents

• Shopping bills

Classification of Documents Based on Visibility

• Questioned documents

• Latent (Invisible) documents

• Patent (Visible) documents

Latent Documents

• Writing which is not visible to the naked eye and needs to be developed.

• Examples:

  • Indented writing

  • Erased portions

  • Secret writing

Patent Documents

• Writing which is visible and can be directly compared.

Examples:

• Handwriting comparison

• Signature comparison

• Overwritten documents

Introduction to Questioned Document and Its Classification