The Power of Reputation: Understanding Part I of the CDEA Schedule

Part I of the Commercial Documents Evidence Act, 1939 (CDEA) Schedule lists documents for which courts "shall presume" genuineness and accuracy under Section 3. This means strong legal weight is attached to these documents, making them valuable tools in court proceedings.

Let's dive into the first example:

Lloyd's Register of Shipping: This esteemed organization has been maintaining a register of seaworthy ships for over 300 years. Its inclusion in Part I signifies the presumption of genuineness and accuracy for information it publishes about:

• Ship details (name, tonnage, classification)
• Owners and operators
• Safety and regulatory compliance

In a real-life example:

Imagine a dispute arises where the seaworthiness of a ship is in question. Presenting documentation from Lloyd's Register would carry significant weight due to its presumed genuineness, potentially shifting the burden of proof to the opposing party.