Indian Evidence Act, 1872
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.]