BSA §50
Character as affecting damages.
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Comparison
55. Character as affecting damages. ––In civil cases, the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant. Explanation. ––In sections 52, 53, 54 and 55, the word “character” includes both reputation and disposition; but, 4[except as provided in section 54], evidence may be given only of general reputation and general disposition, and not of particular acts by which reputation or disposition were shown. PART II ON PROOF CHAPTER III.––FACTS WHICH NEED NOT BE PROVED
50. In civil cases, the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant. Explanation.—In this section and sections 46, 47 and 49, the word "character" includes both reputation and disposition; but, except as provided in section 49, evidence may be given only of general reputation and general disposition, and not of particular acts by which reputation or disposition has been shown. PART III ON PROOF CHAPTER III FACTS WHICH NEED NOT BE PROVED
What changedAI-inferred
Character as affecting damages.
Old position
IEA 55 is concerned with Character as affecting damages. Character as affecting damages
New position
BSA 50 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Character as affecting damages.. In civil cases, the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant
BSA 50 (Character as affecting damages.) preserves the framework of IEA 55. BSA 50 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BSA 50 text: In civil cases, the fact that the character of any...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BSA 50 (Character as affecting damages.) preserves the framework of IEA 55. BSA 50 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BSA 50 text: In civil cases, the fact that the character of any person is such as to affect the amount of damages which he ought to receive, is relevant. Explanation.—In this section and sections 46, 47 and 49, the word "character" includes both reputation and disposition; but, except as provided in section 49, evidence may be...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IEA 55 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BSA 50 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BSA 50 (Character as affecting damages.). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IEA §55 → BSA §50 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-15, https://newlaws.in/bsa/50.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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