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Evidence Act View entire act

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

4 judgments cite this provision SC

– 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.]