Report No. 185
84. Insertion of new section 148A.-
After section 148 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely:-
"148A. Accused person not to be asked certain questions.- An accused person who offers himself as a witness in pursuance of section 315 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, shall not be asked and if asked, shall not be compelled to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed or has been convicted of or been charged with any offence other than that with which he is then charged, or that he is of bad character unles.-
(i) the proof that he has committed or been convicted of such other offence is relevant to a matter in issue; or
(ii) he has personally or by his advocate asked questions of the witness for the prosecution with a view to establishing his own good character, or has given evidence of his good character, or
(iii) the nature or conduct of the defence is such as to involve imputations on the character of the witnesses for the prosecution,(other than the character of the prosecutrix) without obtaining the leave of the Court for asking the particular question; or
(iv) he has given evidence against any other person charged with the same offence; and unless the court is satisfied that such evidence of which the witness is compelled as aforesaid, has or would have sufficient probative value which outweighs the prejudice that may be caused."