Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Section - 54 - Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
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.
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