Evidence Act Seychelles Oaths, declarations and affidavits 21. When declaration may be made instead of an oath Every person who shall object to being sworn, and shall state, as the ground of such objection, either that he has no religious belief, or that the taking of an oath is contrary to his religious belief, shall be permitted to make a declaration, instead of taking an oath, in all places and for all purposes where an oath is or shall be required by law, and such declaration shall be of the same force and effect as if he had taken the oath; and if any person making such declaration shall wilfully and falsely declare any matter or thing which, if stated on oath, would have amounted to false evidence, he shall be liable to prosecution and punishment in all respects as if he had given false evidence on oath. 22. Form of declaration Every such declaration shall be as nearly as may be in the form following: "I, ______________ do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare" and shall then proceed with the words of the oath prescribed by law, omitting any words of imprecation or calling to witness. 23. Validity of oath, etc., not affected by error Where an oath has been duly administered and taken, the fact that the person to whom the same was administered should have made a solemn affirmation under sections 18 and 19 or a declaration under section 21, or where a solemn affirmation or declaration has been made by a person who should have taken an oath, such error shall not affect the validity of the oath, solemn affirmation or declaration respectively, if no protest was made by the person sworn, solemnly affirmed, or making the declaration, at the time such oath, solemn affirmation, or declaration was made or taken. 24. Form of declaration in writing Every declaration in writing shall commence "I do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare"; and the form in lieu of jurat shall be "declared at ________ this ________ day of ___________ Before me _________________" 25. Penalty for swearing false affidavit Any person swearing or declaring a false affidavit, whenever an affidavit is required or may be used, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years and to a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees. 26. Swearing with uplifted hands If any person to whom an oath is administered desires to swear with uplifted hand, he shall be permitted so to do, and the oath shall be administered to him in such form and manner without further question. Admission in evidence of statutes passed by Legislatures of the United Kingdom and British possessions and protectorates 27. Proof of statutes of British possessions (1) Copies of acts, ordinances, and statutes passed (whether before or after the passing of this Act) by the Legislature of the United Kingdom or of any British possession, and of orders, regulations, and other instruments issued or made, whether before or after the passing of this Act under the authority of any such act, ordinance, or statute, if purporting to be printed by the Government By Laws.Africa and contributors. Licensed under CC-BY. Share widely and freely. 11