In civil cases, character to prove conduct imputed, irrelevant
52. In civil cases the fact that the character of any person concerned is such as to render probable or improbable any conduct imputed to him is irrelevant, except in so far as such character appears from facts otherwise relevant
In criminal cases, previous good character relevant
53. In criminal proceedings the fact that the person accused is of a good character is relevant.
Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply
54. 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.
Character as affecting damages
55. In civil cases the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant.
Explanation.–In sections 52, 53, 54 and 55, the word "character" includes both reputation and disposition; but, except as provided in section 54, evidence may be given only of general reputation and general disposition, and not of particular acts by which reputation or disposition were shown.
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Throughout this Act, except otherwise provided, the words "Bangladesh", "Government" and "Taka" were substituted, for the words "Pakistan", "Central Government" and "rupees" or "Rs." respectively by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973).
