Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
BSA Section 49
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
In one line
BSA Section 49 deals with previous bad character not relevant, except in reply and replaces Evidence Act 54.
Bare act text — BSA 49
49. Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
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
Frequently asked
What was BSA Section 49 in the Evidence Act?
BSA Section 49 (Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply) replaces Section 54 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Evidence Act 54 is now BSA 49.
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Nearby BSA sections
- BSA 44 — Opinion on relationship, when relevant
- BSA 45 — Grounds of opinion, when relevant
- BSA 46 — In civil cases character to prove conduct imputed, irrelevant
- BSA 47 — In criminal cases previous good character relevant
- BSA 48 — Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases
- BSA 50 — Character as affecting damages
- BSA 51 — Fact judicially noticeable need not be proved
- BSA 52 — Facts of which Court shall take judicial notice
- BSA 53 — Facts admitted need not be proved
- BSA 54 — Proof of facts by oral evidence