Theme: Media

A statement can be expressed ironically but can still amount to defamation. For example, you publish a statement in the newspaper saying that Hari, the local politician, is an honest man and has never taken a bribe of Rs. 5,00,000 for construction of a bridge. Your statement might be considered defamatory (if it isn’t actually true) because it is a very specific fact about Hari taking bribes and readers are likely to interpret your statement to say Hari actually took the bribe.

It is not defamation to caution someone against another, but you should make sure that the caution is in good faith, or for the public good.

There is an exception under this provision for making an accusation before a lawful authority in good faith. However, in this situation, you need to go to the right authority. For example, the municipality is not the legal authority in charge of investigating tax evasion – therefore this exception will not apply and you can be punished for defaming your neighbour.

There is an exception under this provision for making an accusation before a lawful authority in good faith. However, in this situation, the municipality is not the legal authority in charge of investigating tax evasion – therefore this exception will not apply and you can be punished for defaming your neighbour.

No, there is an exception under defamation law for any person who has lawful authority over another to criticize that person in good faith. However, if you publish statements about the student being naughty and uncultured in the school newsletter, you can be punished under this provision.

There is an exception under this law for expressing your opinion in good faith regarding the conduct of a party, witness or agent in a court case or regarding the merits of the case after it has been decided. However, you can be punished for maliciously attacking the character of a witness on grounds which are unconnected to her conduct during the trial.

There is an exception under defamation law for publication of reports regarding court proceedings. The report should, however, be true for the most part at least.

There is an exception under this provision for expressing your opinion in good faith on another person’s conduct on a public question. In this situation, if the doctor, in her academic article, was trying to promote the hospital she works for, it would be okay for you to express the fact that such conduct was unprofessional.

No, it is not a crime if you have expressed your opinion about any public servant in good faith. As long as you have expressed your opinion honestly, without misrepresenting the facts, you cannot be punished for defamation. If you did this out of hatred or vengeance, then you can be punished.

No. Saying or publishing the truth which for public good is an exception to defamation law. The Court will look into the facts to decide if the statements you made were actually for the public good.