Section 47 BSA 2023: Previous Good Character Relevant in Criminal Cases
Section 47 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) makes the good character of an accused person a relevant fact in criminal proceedings. The provision forms part of the statutory rules dealing with character evidence.
Updated: 12 September 2026
In criminal proceedings, the fact that the person accused is of a good character is relevant.
Meaning and effect of Section 47
Section 47 permits evidence of the accused person's good character to be treated as relevant in a criminal case. In practical terms, the provision allows the defence to rely on general evidence concerning the accused person's character where such evidence is legally admissible and material to the proceeding.
The section does not declare good character to be conclusive proof of innocence. It only makes good character a relevant fact. The court must consider it together with the entire body of admissible evidence in the case.
What does "character" mean under the BSA?
The explanation to Section 50 states that, for Sections 46, 47 and 49, the word "character" includes both reputation and disposition. It further provides that, except as permitted by Section 49, character evidence is ordinarily confined to general reputation and general disposition rather than particular acts used to demonstrate reputation or disposition.
- The provision applies in criminal proceedings.
- The relevant character is the good character of the accused person.
- Good character is relevant, but it is not by itself decisive of guilt or innocence.
- The statutory meaning of character includes reputation and disposition.
- Section 47 should be read with Sections 46, 48, 49 and 50 of the BSA.
Relationship with Sections 46, 48, 49 and 50
Section 46 deals with character evidence in civil cases. Section 48 restricts evidence of the victim's character or previous sexual experience in specified prosecutions where consent is in issue. Section 49 provides that the accused person's bad character is generally irrelevant unless evidence of good character has first been given, subject to the statutory explanations. Section 50 addresses character as affecting damages and also contains the explanation defining "character" for Sections 46, 47 and 49.
Current legal status
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is Central Act 47 of 2023. It came into force on 1 July 2024 under the Central Government notification issued on 23 February 2024. Section 47 therefore applies as part of the current central law of evidence, subject to the Act's commencement and transitional framework.