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Indian Evidence Act, 1872

Section 54

Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply

Quick Answer Reference: Section 54 IEA

  • Provision: Section 54 of IEA
  • Act: Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • Classification: evidence
  • Jurisdiction: India
Statutory Content

What does Section 54 of IEA say?

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.

Indian StandardSection 54, Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Bluebook (21st ed.)Indian Evidence Act, 1872, § 54 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 54 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/indian-evidence-act-1872/54

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Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 54 IEA

What is Section 54 of IEA?

Section 54 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA) defines and regulates "Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply". The section states: 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 re...

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 54 IEA

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

2013 2 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

Commonly Cited Alongside

Sections commonly cited alongside Section 54