LawgistThe Indian Evidence Act
54Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
1[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. ]
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1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1891, s. 6 for "section 54".
CHARACTER WHEN RELEVANT
