Saying or writing something which is harmful to a person's reputation is called defamation.

Defamation

This explainer discusses defamation in India and methods of defamation. It primarily deals with the law laid out in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and case laws. 

FAQs

Can an ironic statement also be considered to be defamatory?

If I wrote an article cautioning a community about a problem, would it amount to defamation?

Can I be punished under defamation law if I said something indirectly but in good faith?

Can I be punished under defamation law for filing a complaint against my neighbour for evading taxes before the local municipality?

Can I be punished under defamation law for scolding my student for making a ruckus in class?

Can I be punished under defamation law for publishing my opinion regarding a witnesses’ conduct in court?

Can I be punished under defamation law for reporting the outcome of a court case?

Is it defamation to say that a doctor is being unprofessional by advertising her hospital in an academic journal?

Is tweeting about a corruption scandal involving the local politician defamation?

Is saying the truth a crime of defamation?

My neighbor is spreading false statements about me. Is this defamation?

Online bullying and defaming

Can I be punished under defamation law for expressing my opinion about my friend’s potential business partner to protect her from being duped?