Section 47 BSA: In criminal cases previous good character relevant

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 47 BSA at a Glance

Section 47 BSA deals with in criminal cases previous good character relevant. It replaced Section 53 IEA on 1 July 2024.

Was IEA

Section 53 →

Section 47 BSA Bare Act Text

47. In criminal cases previous good character relevant

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

Source: Section 47, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Section 47 BSA in Simple Words

Section 47 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 applies when a person faces a criminal proceeding before a court. It lets the accused person rely on the fact of having a previous good character.

Under the Adhiniyam, previous good character is relevant (connected to the case so the court can consider it). This means the court can take the good character of the accused person into account in the case.

The rule applies only to criminal proceedings and covers only the good character of the person accused.

When Section 47 BSA Applies

  • The proceeding before the court is a criminal case.
  • A person stands accused in that criminal proceeding.
  • The fact brought before the court is that the accused person has a good character.

Example of Section 47 BSA

In 2025, Anita faces a criminal trial in a court in Jaipur. During the criminal proceeding, the defence calls local residents to show that Anita has a previous good character. Under Section 47 BSA, this fact of previous good character is relevant to the criminal trial in Jaipur. The court in Jaipur can consider that good character while deciding the criminal case against Anita.

Section 47 BSA in the IEA (Previous Law)

Section 47 BSA replaces Section 53 IEA from the old criminal code.

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.

FAQs on Section 47 BSA

What is Section 47 BSA?▼

Section 47 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 states that in criminal proceedings, the previous good character of the accused person is relevant. This lets the court consider facts showing that the person accused has a good character.

Can an accused person bring evidence of good character in a criminal case under Section 47 BSA?▼

Yes. Under Section 47 BSA, previous good character on the part of the accused person is relevant in criminal proceedings. The accused person can place that fact before the court.

Does Section 47 BSA apply to civil cases?▼

No. Section 47 BSA applies only in criminal proceedings where a person is accused.

What is Section 47 BSA in IEA?▼

Section 53 IEA is the earlier provision corresponding to Section 47 BSA. Section 53 IEA became Section 47 BSA on 1 July 2024 without any change in wording.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 ·