INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023
54. Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
49. Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
changed or removed in old law
changed or added in new law
Similar wording stays plain; only differences are highlighted.
INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
[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.]
Repealed / replaced by BSA India Code — IEA 1872
BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023
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.
Current law India Code — BSA 2023