Indian Evidence Act, 1872
IEA Section 53 in BSA
In criminal cases previous good character relevant. Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (In criminal cases previous good character relevant) corresponds to Section 47 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Verify before you rely on this. Renumbering under the 2023 codes is not a clean one-to-one exercise — provisions were merged, split and reworded. Always check the printed bare act.
Where this sits in the exam
This provision is examined under Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, worth 8 of the 100 marks in AIBE XXII. The paper permits bare acts but bans notes, so what matters is finding it quickly, not reciting the number.
Questions that turn on this section
Character evidence in a criminal case is:
Answer & explanation
Relevant where the accused's good character is in issue; previous conviction may then be shown
§ 47 BSA. Bad character is generally irrelevant unless the accused has put good character in issue.
Sections either side of it
How the neighbouring provisions of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were renumbered:
| IEA | Provision | BSA |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | Opinion as to handwriting, when relevant | 41 |
| 50 | Opinion on relationship, when relevant | 44 |
| 52 | In civil cases character to prove conduct imputed, irrelevant | 46 |
| 56 | Facts judicially noticeable need not be proved | 51 |
| 57 | Facts of which Court must take judicial notice | 52 |
| 58 | Facts admitted need not be proved | 53 |
Practise it
Cutoff has AIBE XXII questions on this area, each cited to both codes with a line telling you where to find it in the bare act. Ten questions per subject are free, no account needed.
Practise free Full IEA→BSA table