The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,2023
49. Previous bad character not relevant, except in reply.
In criminal proceedings, the fact that the accused 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.