Section 54 Indian Evidence Act, Section 54 Evidence Act
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54. 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.
1. This section subs. by Act 3 of 1891, s. 6 for “section 54”.
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