IEA 53→BSA 47

IEA 53 to BSA 47: In criminal cases previous good character relevant

Section 53 IEA (1872) replaced by Section 47 BSA (2023)

View IEA Section 53 →View BSA Section 47 →

IEA 53 to BSA 47 at a Glance

Section 53 IEA (In criminal cases previous good character relevant) is now Section 47 BSA, in force from 1 July 2024. Only the section number changed.

What Changed From IEA 53 to BSA 47?

Section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 became Section 47 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.

IEA 53 vs BSA 47: Comparison Table

AspectIEA 1872 (repealed)BSA 2023 (in force)
Section5347
HeadingIn criminal cases previous good character relevantSame

IEA 53 and BSA 47: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IEA 1872 (repealed)

Section 53, IEA 1872

53. In criminal cases previous good character relevant.—In criminal proceedings, the fact that the person accused is of a good character, is relevant.
BSA 2023 (in force)

Section 47, BSA 2023

47. In criminal cases previous good character relevant.—In criminal proceedings the fact that the person accused is of a good character, is relevant.

When It Applies: IEA 53 vs BSA 47

Under IEA 53
  1. The proceeding before the court is a criminal case.
  2. A person stands accused in that criminal proceeding.
  3. The fact brought before the court is that the accused person has a good character.
Under BSA 47
  1. The proceeding before the court is a criminal case.
  2. A person stands accused in that criminal proceeding.
  3. The fact brought before the court is that the accused person has a good character.

What IEA 53 to BSA 47 Means in Practice

Section 53 IEA became Section 47 BSA on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording. The same rule applies in criminal proceedings. For matters governed by the BSA, a party should cite Section 47 BSA instead of Section 53 IEA.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Evidence Act, 1872 · Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 ·