Indian Evidence Act, 1872

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.