Indian Evidence Act
IEA 54 is now BSA 49.
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
Carried over
92% of the old wording kept
Old · IEA 1872 · Ch. II
s. 54
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
In criminal proceedings the fact that the accused person has a bad character is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant.
Explanation 1.—This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue.
Explanation 2.-A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character.]
Text read from the official print by OCR. Check it against the print before quoting.
New · BSA 2023 · Ch. II
s. 49
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
In criminal proceedings, the fact that the accused has a bad character, is irrelevant, unless evidence has been given that he has a good character, in which case it becomes relevant
Explanation 1.--This section does not apply to cases in which the bad character of any person is itself a fact in issue.
Explanation 2.--A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character
Text from India Code