Section 49: Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023Central Act · Act 47 of 2023
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