Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply: Section-54 of the Evidence Act, 1872

 

The Evidence Act, 1872

(ACT NO. I OF 1872)

PART I

RELEVANCY OF FACTS

CHAPTER II

CHARACTER WHEN RELEVANT

Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply

54. 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.