Section 49 - The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

The 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.