In an event when the Court has to form an opinion upon a point of foreign law, or of science, or has to identify of handwriting or finger impressions, the opinion upon that point of persons specially skilled in such foreign law, science or art, or in questions as to identity of handwriting or finger impressions are relevant facts. Such persons are called experts.
An expert witness is one who has devoted time and study to a special branch of learning and thus is especially skilled on those points on which he is asked to state his opinion. However, experts cannot act as judges or jury. The Court has to evaluate and take into account their opinions and suggestions and then decide finally.
The opinion of an expert must be given orally and a report or certificate by him is not taken in account as evidence. Expert evidence can be used to corroborate other evidence as well. An expert, in order to be competent as a witness, need not have to acquire his knowledge professionally. It is sufficient if such expert has acquired specialised expertise therein. Expert opinion is only an opinion evidence and is not helpful to the court in interpretation of the law.
