Character as Affecting damages
AI Assist
Summary
When a person's character could change the amount of damages in a civil case, evidence of that character is relevant to the award. 'Character' covers both reputation and disposition. Except as provided elsewhere, only general reputation and general disposition may be proved; evidence of specific past acts is not allowed.
Example
Priya sues a local shopkeeper for defamation and asks for higher damages because the statements harmed her reputation. She may call witnesses to prove her general reputation and general disposition. She cannot introduce evidence of specific past incidents to show her character.
Bare Act
Enacted textIn 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.
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