Character as affecting damages.

What this section does

In civil cases, the character of a person is relevant when it affects the quantum of damages that person ought to receive. The section also clarifies that 'character' for the purposes of sections 46, 47, and 49 includes both reputation and disposition, but evidence may only be given of general reputation and general disposition — not of particular acts — except as provided in section 49.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

The rule in one line

Character is relevant in civil cases when it affects the amount of damages; 'character' means general reputation and disposition, not particular acts.

When it applies

• In a defamation suit, the plaintiff's general reputation in the community is relevant to determine the extent of damages suffered.
• In an action for personal injury, the claimant's general disposition and standing may be considered in assessing compensatory damages.

Derived from IEA s.55.