Falsus in uno falsus in omnibus

Meaning:

This legal maxims means false in one particular thing is false in general.

Details:

This legal maxim is based on the doctrine that in case of the testimony of a witness on a material point is willfully and deposed with an intention to deceive, the Court of law may reject all the witness’s testimony. Thus, it is the rule of evidence followed by the Court of law.

In the leading case of Suchita Singh v. Punjab, the Hon’ble SC ruled that the principle- false in one thing, false in everything is not applicable in India. The Court was of the view that falsity of a particular material would not vitiate the entire testimony of the witness concerned. It is the duty of the Court of law to separate the grain from the chaff and only when that is not feasible, the court of law can decline the evidence in wholesome.

In Narain v. M.P., the SC pointed out that legal maxim “falsus in uno falsus omnibus” is merely a rule of caution. In case the truth can be separated from falsehood the conviction will be sustainable on the basis of separated cogent evidence.