Consider the following statements:
- In criminal proceedings good character of the accused is always relevant
- In criminal proceedings bad character of the accused is always relevant
- In a civil case evidence of character of any person concerned is always admissible
- A previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character Which of the statements given above are correct?
Verified Answer
A. 2 and 3
B. 1,2 and 4
C. 1 and 4
D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act makes the good character of an accused relevant in criminal proceedings. Statement 2 is incorrect: Section 54 states that the bad character of an accused is generally irrelevant in criminal proceedings, unless it's a reply to good character evidence or is itself a fact in issue. Statement 3 is incorrect: Section 52 states that character evidence is generally irrelevant in civil cases. Statement 4 is correct: The explanation to Section 54 explicitly states that a previous conviction is relevant as evidence of bad character. Thus, statements 1 and 4 are correct.