The Evidence Act 1872 was replaced by the BSA 2023 (in force 2024-07-01); no verified section mapping on file for Section 54 — confirm the corresponding provision (savings: Section 170, BSA 2023).
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.] Substituted by Act 3 of 1891, S.6.