Section 54 Indian Evidence Act 1872
Section 54 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872 is about ‘Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply’. It is under ‘CHARACTER WHEN RELEVANT’ of Chapter II of the Act. Chapter II is titled ‘OF THE RELEVANCY OF FACTS‘.
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
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.
See also:
Section 53A Indian Evidence Act 1872 (Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases)