Affidavits came from the origin of colonial concept of distrust where it was felt necessary by the British Rule that the citizens give in writing so as to guarantee their word. Affidavit if filed to prove our undertaking as it can be seen that the Government lacks trust in citizens and don’t believe in whatever they say.
Affidavits are very common and are filed almost in our daily lives It has been assumed and presumed that whatever assertion is stated by a citizen by way of an affidavit, can be believed to be true and necessary action can be taken against.
Affidavit is defined as a written sworn statement of fact voluntarily made by a person under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
Such statement is witnessed as to the authenticity of that person’s signature by a taker of oaths, such as a notary public or commissioner of oaths.
‘Affidavit’ shall include affirmation ‘and declaration in the case of persons by law allowed to affirm or declare instead of swearing.