Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
In criminal cases previous good character relevant.––In criminal proceedings, the fact that the person accused is of a good character, is relevant. 1[53A. Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases.–– In a prosecution for an offence under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, 2[section 376A, section 376AB, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376DA, section 376DB] or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is in issue, evidence of the character of the victim or of such person’s previous sexual experience with any person shall not be relevant on the issue of such consent or the quality of consent.] 3[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.]