Section 49 - Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply. - Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply 49 . 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.