Section 49 of The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam :Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023
In criminal proceedings, the fact that the accused 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