When a witness has been asked and has answered any question which is relevant to the inquiry only in so far as it tends to shake his credit by injuring his character, no evidence shall be given to contradict him; but, if he answers falsely, he may afterwards be charged with giving false evidence.

Exception 1. - If a witness is asked whether he has been previously convicted of any crime and denies it, evidence may be given of his previous conviction.

Exception 2. - If a witness is asked any question tending to impeach his impartiality, and answers it by denying the facts suggested, he may be contradicted.

Illustrations

(a) A claim against an underwriter is resisted on the ground of fraud.

(b) A witness is asked whether he was not dismissed from a situation for dishonesty.

(c) A affirms that on a certain day he saw B at Lahore.

(d) A is asked whether his family has to had a blood-feud with the family of B against whom he gives evidence.