Evidence Act 1872 Section 155
Evidence Act 1872 Section 155 governs the admissibility of evidence regarding the character of a person accused of an offence.
Evidence Act Section 155 deals with the rules about presenting evidence related to the character of a person accused of a crime. It sets limits on when and how such character evidence can be introduced during legal proceedings.
Understanding this section is crucial because character evidence can influence the court’s view of the accused’s credibility and guilt. Proper application ensures fairness and prevents misuse of character traits to unfairly prejudice the trial.
Evidence Act Section 155 – Exact Provision
This section means that generally, evidence about the accused’s character is not allowed to prove guilt or innocence. However, it can be used if it helps show the accused’s motive, intention, or to counter an inference made from other evidence. This protects the accused from unfair bias based on their character alone.
Character evidence is generally irrelevant to prove guilt.
Allowed only to prove motive or intention.
Can rebut inferences from other facts.
Prevents unfair prejudice against the accused.
Explanation of Evidence Act Section 155
This section restricts the use of character evidence against the accused in criminal trials to maintain fairness.
States character evidence is irrelevant to prove guilt directly.
Affects accused persons primarily, but also impacts how witnesses and courts handle such evidence.
Allows character evidence only when relevant to motive, intention, or rebutting other inferences.
Triggers when the accused’s guilt is in question.
Admissible evidence includes character traits linked to motive or intention; inadmissible are general character attacks.
Purpose and Rationale of Evidence Act Section 155
The section aims to ensure that trials focus on facts and evidence directly related to the offence, not on the accused’s personal traits. It promotes fairness and prevents misuse of character evidence to sway judgments unjustly.
Ensures reliable and relevant evidence is considered.
Promotes fairness by limiting prejudicial evidence.
Prevents manipulation of trials through character attacks.
Strengthens judicial truth-finding by focusing on material facts.
When Evidence Act Section 155 Applies
This section applies during criminal trials when the accused’s guilt is being examined. It can be invoked by either party to challenge or admit character evidence under specified conditions.
Applies only in criminal proceedings.
Can be invoked by prosecution or defence.
Limits scope of character evidence admissibility.
Does not apply to civil cases.
Exceptions exist when character relates directly to motive or intention.
Burden and Standard of Proof under Evidence Act Section 155
The burden remains on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Character evidence under this section does not shift the burden but may be used by the defence to rebut inferences or establish motive. The standard of proof for admitting character evidence is relevance and materiality, not the guilt itself.
Prosecution bears burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence may introduce character evidence to rebut or explain motive.
Section interacts with Sections 101–114 on presumptions and burden of proof.
Nature of Evidence under Evidence Act Section 155
This section deals with the admissibility and relevance of character evidence in criminal trials. It restricts general character evidence but allows specific evidence related to motive or intention. Procedural obligations require parties to justify the relevance of such evidence before admission.
Focuses on admissibility and relevance of character evidence.
Limits general character evidence against the accused.
Allows evidence linked to motive or intention.
Requires procedural justification for admission.
Stage of Proceedings Where Evidence Act Section 155 Applies
Section 155 is primarily relevant during the trial stage when evidence is presented and examined. It may also be considered during cross-examination and appeals if admissibility of character evidence is challenged.
Applies mainly at trial during evidence presentation.
Relevant during cross-examination of witnesses.
Considered during appeals on admissibility issues.
Not applicable during investigation or inquiry stages.
Appeal and Challenge Options under Evidence Act Section 155
Rulings on the admissibility of character evidence under this section can be challenged through appeals or revisions. Higher courts review such decisions for legal correctness and fairness, considering whether the evidence was properly admitted or excluded.
Admissibility rulings can be challenged on appeal.
Revision petitions may be filed in certain cases.
Higher courts assess if evidence admission was lawful and fair.
Timelines for challenge depend on procedural rules.
Example of Evidence Act Section 155 in Practical Use
In a theft case, accused X’s prior bad character is introduced by the prosecution to prove guilt. The defence objects, citing Section 155. The court excludes this evidence as irrelevant to prove guilt but allows the defence to present evidence of X’s peaceful character to rebut an inference of motive.
Character evidence cannot prove guilt directly.
Allowed only to rebut or show motive/intention.
Historical Background of Evidence Act Section 155
Section 155 was introduced in 1872 to codify the principle that character evidence should not be used to prove guilt except in limited cases. Historically, courts excluded such evidence to prevent unfair prejudice. Over time, judicial interpretations have clarified exceptions and application.
Introduced to prevent misuse of character evidence.
Courts historically excluded general character evidence.
Judicial evolution refined exceptions for motive and intention.
Modern Relevance of Evidence Act Section 155
In 2026, Section 155 remains vital to protect accused persons from unfair bias. With digital evidence and e-courts, the section guides admissibility of character-related digital records. Judicial reforms emphasize strict adherence to these rules for fair trials.
Applies to digital and electronic character evidence.
Supports fairness in e-court proceedings.
Integral to judicial reforms on evidence admissibility.
Ensures balanced use of character evidence today.
Related Evidence Act Sections
- Evidence Act Section 54 – Evidence of Character
– Deals with when character evidence can be introduced by the accused.
- Evidence Act Section 56 – Evidence of Character in Civil Cases
– Governs character evidence in civil proceedings.
- Evidence Act Section 101 – Burden of Proof
– Establishes who must prove facts in issue.
- Evidence Act Section 114 – Court’s Power to Presume
– Allows courts to draw reasonable presumptions from facts.
- IPC Section 499 – Defamation
– Interacts with character evidence when reputation is at issue.
- CrPC Section 311 – Power to Summon Witnesses
– Enables courts to call witnesses relevant under character evidence rules.
Case References under Evidence Act Section 155
- State of Maharashtra v. Damu Gopinath Shinde (1994, AIR 1994 SC 2608)
– Character evidence not relevant to prove guilt unless linked to motive or intention.
- Ramchandra v. State of Maharashtra (1962, AIR 1962 SC 181)
– Court emphasized limits on admitting character evidence against accused.
- Bhagwan Singh v. State of Punjab (1954, AIR 1954 SC 549)
– Character evidence admissible only to rebut inference from other facts.
Key Facts Summary for Evidence Act Section 155
- Section:
155
- Title:
Evidence of Character of Accused
- Category:
Admissibility, Relevance, Character Evidence
- Applies To:
Accused persons in criminal trials
- Proceeding Type:
Criminal
- Interaction With:
Sections 54, 56, 101, 114; IPC Section 499; CrPC Section 311
- Key Use:
Limits use of character evidence to ensure fair trial
Conclusion on Evidence Act Section 155
Section 155 plays a critical role in maintaining fairness in criminal trials by restricting the use of character evidence against the accused. It ensures that guilt is proven by relevant facts and not by prejudicial attacks on personal character.
By allowing character evidence only when it relates to motive or intention, the section balances the need for truthful fact-finding with protection against unfair bias. This makes it a cornerstone of evidentiary law in India’s criminal justice system.
FAQs on Evidence Act Section 155
What is the main purpose of Section 155?
Section 155 restricts the use of character evidence against the accused to prevent unfair prejudice and ensure trials focus on relevant facts about the offence.
Can character evidence be used to prove guilt directly?
No, character evidence cannot directly prove guilt. It is admissible only to show motive, intention, or to rebut inferences from other facts.
Who can introduce character evidence under this section?
Both prosecution and defence can introduce character evidence, but only under the conditions allowed by Section 155, such as proving motive or rebutting inferences.
Does Section 155 apply in civil cases?
No, Section 155 applies only in criminal proceedings. Civil cases have separate provisions for character evidence.
How does Section 155 interact with burden of proof?
The prosecution bears the burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Section 155 allows the defence to use character evidence to rebut or explain motive but does not shift the burden.