Section I. WHEREAS obstruction to justice, and other inconveniences has arisen in consequence of persons of the

I. WHEREAS obstruction to justice, and other inconveniences has arisen in consequence of persons of the Hindoo or Mahometan persuasion being compelled to swear by the water of the Ganges, or upon th Koran, or according to the forms which are repugnant to their consciences or feelings ; It is hereby enacted, that except as hereinafter provided, instead of any oath or declaration now authorized or required by law, every individual of the classes aforesaid within the Territories of the East India Company shall make affirmation to the following effect :- " I solemnly affirm, in the presence of Almighty God, that what I shall state shall be the truth, the Whole truth, and nothing but the truth."