Character as affecting damages
Full 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 given only of general reputation and general disposition, and not of particular acts by which reputation or disposition has been shown.
Plain English Summary
In civil suits, character evidence is relevant if it impacts the amount of damages. Character refers to general reputation and disposition, not specific acts.
Key Legal Elements
- Character impacting damages in civil cases
- Definition: Includes reputation and disposition
- General rule: Only general reputation/disposition allowed
- Prohibits evidence of particular acts showing character
Practical Note
For example, in defamation cases, the plaintiff's existing reputation is relevant because damages are awarded for the loss of that reputation.
हिंदी पाठ
सिविल मामलों में यह तथ्य कि किसी व्यक्ति का चरित्र ऐसा है कि वह उस नुकसानी की राशि को प्रभावित करता है जो उसे मिलनी चाहिए, सुसंगत है।
स्पष्टीकरण—इस धारा और धारा 46, 47 और 49 में "चरित्र" शब्द में ख्याति (reputation) और स्वभाव (disposition) दोनों शामिल हैं; किंतु धारा 49 में उपबंधित के सिवाय, केवल सामान्य ख्याति और सामान्य स्वभाव का साक्ष्य दिया जा सकता है, न कि उन विशिष्ट कार्यों का जिनके द्वारा ख्याति या स्वभाव प्रदर्शित किया गया है।