Section 63 Certificate & Hash Report

This project grew out of conversations with my father, a practising lawyer, about electronic evidence. Preparing the certificate, calculating the file’s hash and assembling the accompanying hash report are practical tasks that still need careful attention. Where section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 applies, this tool helps prepare the Schedule certificate and its hash report for review and signature. Choose one or more files, calculate their hashes locally in your browser, and enter the party and device particulars. The tool produces two editable Word documents: a certificate following the Schedule’s wording and fields, and a hash report listing each file’s name, size, algorithm, hash and calculation timestamp in IST. Files and entered details are not uploaded to a server. Part B carries over the device particulars and hashes while keeping the expert’s identity separate. Unfilled fields remain blank for completion. The interface and document output support English and Hindi, with separate language controls. A verification section also lets someone paste a stated hash and compare it against a supplied file. It shows whether the values match; it does not establish the truth of the recording or guarantee admissibility. Eight source-linked legal notes identify decisions that remain with counsel, including whether a certificate is required, which law applies, who may sign and when to file. These notes currently remain in English. Built by me using Claude and Codex as code and research assistants. The application uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript, with no login, backend processing or paid API required. Automated checks cover hashing, form behaviour, language switching and Word exports.

1. Schedule-based certificate: Part A and Part B using the prescribed wording and fields, with English and Hindi output.
2. Local file hashing: SHA256 by default; SHA1 and MD5 also available and labelled as weaker algorithms.
3. Separate hash report: File names, sizes, algorithms, hashes, IST timestamps and independent verification commands.
4. Multiple-file support: Include several records using one selected algorithm per certificate.
5. Separate expert details: Part B reuses device particulars and hashes; warns when the same name is entered for both signatories.
6. Blank-field handling: Lists missing details at export and leaves blank lines for later completion.
7. Hash verification: Compare a supplied file against a stated hash and display a match or mismatch.
8. Guidance alongside the form: Eight source-linked legal decision notes and a one-page explainer.

Feedback from advocates and digital-forensics practitioners on Part B practice: who signs, what qualifications are examined and what courts require. Independent review of the English and Hindi document wording and usability. Anonymised reports of filing difficulties, corrections requested, or acceptance and rejection of generated certificates would help improve the tool.