THE INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872 Last updated:-13-3-2020 · CHARACTER WHEN RELEVANT
Section 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.]