Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 · Chapter II: Relevancy of Facts · Character when relevant
Section 47: In criminal cases previous good character relevant
In plain words
In criminal cases, the fact that the accused has a good character is relevant.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
In criminal proceedings the fact that the person accused is of a good character, is relevant.
Corresponding sections were matched by comparing the wording of both official texts, and for the IPC and BNS, also against a published correspondence table. Wording, punishments and structure often changed, so read both sections before relying on the match.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 25 August 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 47
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.