Clause 524 - Presumption as to assets, books of account, etc.

Rebuttable presumption of ownership and documentary authenticity shifts evidential burden when items are found in possession after a search or survey.

A statutory rebuttable presumption applies to books of account, documents, money, bullion, jewellery, virtual digital assets and other valuable articles found in a person's possession or control during a search or survey: presuming ownership by that person, the truth of documentary contents, the authenticity of handwriting and signatures, and due stamping and execution of stamped or attested documents. The same presumptions apply to items delivered to the requisitioning officer under the requisition procedure, treating them as if found during a search.