Free Video Consultation

Introduction

Defamation is a legal concept that protects the reputation of an individual or entity from false statements that harm their character or standing in the community. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, the term defamation is defined as “The offence of injuring a person’s character, fame, or reputation by false and malicious statements.” 

Forms of Defamation

There are two forms of defamation, libel and slander which are discussed as follows:

Libel refers to the act of defamation through written or printed words, pictures, or any other form that can be visually represented. The defamatory statement is permanently recorded and generally published in newspapers, magazines, books, or online platforms. Since libelous statements have a lasting presence, they are considered more harmful. On the other hand, slander occurs when defamatory statements are spoken or communicated through gestures, signs, or any other non-permanent form. Slanderous statements are typically transient and might include oral remarks, speeches, or conversations. Due to their non-permanent nature, slanderous statements are generally considered less damaging than libel.

What are the kinds of defamation?

  • Civil Defamation: It refers to defamation cases that are pursued as a private legal action by the aggrieved party seeking compensation for the harm caused to their reputation. It is primarily a matter of civil law. In a civil defamation case, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, who must demonstrate that the defendant made false statements that caused harm to their reputation. 
  • Criminal Defamation: It involves the prosecution of individuals criminally for making defamatory statements and the penalty for criminal defamation may include fines and imprisonment. In a criminal defamation case, the intention to defame another person is necessary which means the allegation should be made with the intent to defame or at least with the knowledge that the publication of such a statement is likely to defame another person. 

What are the essentials of defamation?

The requirements for establishing a case of defamation are mentioned as follows:

  • The statement must be defamatory and can be in the form of spoken or written words, signs, gestures, or any other means of communication. It is important that the defamatory or false statement is factually untrue and not a valid expression of opinion. Statement validity is determined by how the public as a whole perceives it.
  • The defamatory statement made should refer to the plaintiff and he should prove the same. The statement must have the potential to harm the reputation of the person or entity being defamed. The defendant will only be liable for the statement if the plaintiff proves that the published statement referred to him.
  • The statement must be communicated (published) to a third party, someone other than the person being defamed. It can be shared orally, in writing, through social media, or any other form of communication either verbal or non-verbal. Even a single person hearing or reading the statement can constitute publication.

Defences

In India, there are various defenses available to individuals facing defamation claims whereas the availability and applicability of these defences vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some of the defences against the defamation claims are discussed as follows:

Truth: It is an absolute defence against defamation. If the statement in question is factually accurate and can be proven to be true, it can serve as a valid defence. 

Privilege: Certain statements made under specific circumstances may be protected by privilege.

Absolute Privilege: Statements made in the course of judicial or legislative proceedings, such as by judges, witnesses, or lawyers during court proceedings or statements made in Parliament, enjoy absolute privilege. 

Qualified Privilege: It applies to statements made in good faith and without malice by individuals who have a legitimate interest or duty to communicate the information to others.

Fair Comment: It is a defence that applies to statements of opinion rather than statements of fact.

Reports: It has been defined under Section 499 of the IPC that “It is not defamation to publish a substantially true report of the proceedings of a Court of Justice, or of the result of any such proceedings.”

Defamation under Indian Law

Defamation is a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 499 of the IPC defines defamation and provides the essential elements required to establish a defamation case. Also, it highlights various exceptions or defences of defamation.

Written by Adv Rohit Yadav

162 Replies to “What constitute defamation ?”

  1. by RobertHip 4 months ago

    Always delivering international quality.
    how to buy generic lisinopril no prescription
    A trusted name in international pharmacy circles.

  2. by LorenzoREP 4 months ago

    I’m impressed with their commitment to customer care.
    gabapentin pills
    They understand the intricacies of international drug regulations.

  3. by BryanPleks 4 months ago

    Their flu shots are quick and hassle-free.
    online lisinopril prescription
    Always attuned to global health needs.

  4. by BryanPleks 4 months ago

    The staff ensures a seamless experience every time.
    where to buy generic clomid price
    I always feel valued and heard at this pharmacy.

  5. by Edgargex 2 weeks ago

    traitement mycose vaginale pharmacie sans ordonnance: soft pick gum – diurГ©tique naturel puissant pharmacie sans ordonnance

  6. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    online apotheek nederland internet apotheek aptoheek

  7. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    medicin recept: ГҐldersgrГ¤ns apotek – vГ¤tskeersГ¤ttning english

  8. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    aktuella recept: apotek Г¶ppet nyГҐrsdagen – tudca kГ¶pa

  9. by Williamtheld 2 weeks ago

    https://tryggmed.com/# collagen shot apotek

  10. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    apotek sjГ¤lvtest corona: Snabb Apoteket – apotek med hemleverans

  11. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    hur mycket välling 6 månader Snabb Apoteket omega 3 tabletter

  12. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    medicijn bestellen apotheek: apotek online – apotheker online

  13. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    http://zorgpakket.com/# frenadol kopen in nederland

  14. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    pluggen apotek: luft i magen apotek – kamfer apotek

  15. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    apotek pГҐ engelsk resept nett tannstein fjerner apotek

  16. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    medicatie bestellen: MedicijnPunt – medicijn online bestellen

  17. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    https://snabbapoteket.shop/# vitamin e apotek

  18. by Williamtheld 2 weeks ago

    https://snabbapoteket.shop/# medicinsk honung apotek

  19. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    apotheek aan huis: pharmacy online netherlands – mijn medicijnkosten

  20. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    sluta med vГ¤lling: orolig mage gravid – g punkten mГ¤n

  21. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    https://tryggmed.com/# linser apotek

  22. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    apotek online fri frakt Snabb Apoteket apotek universitet

  23. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    inloggen apotheek: MedicijnPunt – online medicijnen bestellen apotheek

  24. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    https://tryggmed.com/# svart munnbind apotek

  25. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    hydrokinon apotek baby apotek sjekke blodtype apotek

  26. by Williamtheld 2 weeks ago

    https://snabbapoteket.com/# ryggsäck 30 liter rea

  27. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    https://snabbapoteket.shop/# billiga bindor

  28. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    billig nettside: Trygg Med – rensesjampo apotek

  29. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    bestille apotekvarer pГҐ nett: elektrisk neglefil apotek – apotek magnesium

  30. by ScottVew 2 weeks ago

    tannfylling apotek Trygg Med vannrensetabletter apotek

  31. by MichaelThemy 2 weeks ago

    http://tryggmed.com/# аптека норвегия

  32. by Kennethfrugs 2 weeks ago

    rГ¶d cedertrГ¤olja apotek: Snabb Apoteket – apotek snabb leverans

  33. by AltonWasia 2 weeks ago

    kollagen apotek: ska man sova med bandage – aminosyror lista

  34. by DavidPet 2 weeks ago

    generic drugs mexican pharmacy MediMexicoRx buy antibiotics over the counter in mexico

  35. by VernonMom 1 week ago

    https://expresscarerx.org/# online pharmacy without prescription

  36. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    http://medimexicorx.com/# mexican mail order pharmacies

  37. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    MediMexicoRx: buy modafinil from mexico no rx – buy kamagra oral jelly mexico

  38. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    top 10 pharmacies in india IndiaMedsHub india online pharmacy

  39. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    top online pharmacy india: IndiaMedsHub – buy medicines online in india

  40. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    https://expresscarerx.org/# reliable online pharmacy accutane

  41. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    prescription drugs mexico pharmacy: get viagra without prescription from mexico – buy modafinil from mexico no rx

  42. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    buy prescription drugs from india buy medicines online in india best india pharmacy

  43. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    https://indiamedshub.shop/# world pharmacy india

  44. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    viagra in pharmacy malaysia: online pharmacy modafinil – ExpressCareRx

  45. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    https://medimexicorx.shop/# medicine in mexico pharmacies

  46. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    viagra american pharmacy: pharmacy clothes store – ExpressCareRx

  47. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    ExpressCareRx: rx solutions pharmacy – ExpressCareRx

  48. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    http://expresscarerx.org/# asda pharmacy viagra prices

  49. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    indian pharmacy online indianpharmacy com buy medicines online in india

  50. by VernonMom 1 week ago

    https://medimexicorx.shop/# buying prescription drugs in mexico

  51. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    pharmacy metronidazole and alcohol: ExpressCareRx – rite aid pharmacy viagra price

  52. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    indian pharmacy: buy medicines online in india – pharmacy website india

  53. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    IndiaMedsHub IndiaMedsHub india online pharmacy

  54. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    safe mexican online pharmacy: modafinil mexico online – online mexico pharmacy USA

  55. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    get prescription online: clomid mexican pharmacy – ExpressCareRx

  56. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    uk online viagra pharmacy Mobic ExpressCareRx

  57. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    buy prescription drugs from india: IndiaMedsHub – IndiaMedsHub

  58. by VernonMom 1 week ago

    http://medimexicorx.com/# п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  59. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    MediMexicoRx: zithromax mexican pharmacy – MediMexicoRx

  60. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    reputable indian pharmacies cheapest online pharmacy india IndiaMedsHub

  61. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    Lariam: shopko pharmacy – non prescription medicine pharmacy

  62. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    mail order pharmacy india: IndiaMedsHub – indian pharmacy online

  63. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    https://medimexicorx.shop/# mexican pharmaceuticals online

  64. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    IndiaMedsHub world pharmacy india Online medicine order

  65. by BobbyKeype 1 week ago

    buy propecia mexico: mexico pharmacy – MediMexicoRx

  66. by Robertfum 1 week ago

    http://indiamedshub.com/# pharmacy website india

  67. by LewisLig 1 week ago

    modafinil mexico online: amoxicillin mexico online pharmacy – safe place to buy semaglutide online mexico

  68. by DavidPet 1 week ago

    buy neurontin in mexico viagra pills from mexico best prices on finasteride in mexico

  69. by Theronbew 1 week ago

    https://zoloft.company/# purchase generic Zoloft online discreetly

  70. by LeroyFep 1 week ago

    cheap Zoloft: cheap Zoloft – buy Zoloft online

  71. by KelvinAxosy 1 week ago

    USA-safe Accutane sourcing: cheap Accutane – cheap Accutane

  72. by Burtonmog 1 week ago

    generic Finasteride without prescription Propecia for hair loss online Finasteride From Canada

  73. by Theronbew 1 week ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# Lexapro for depression online

  74. by LeroyFep 1 week ago

    Lexapro for depression online: Lexapro for depression online – where can you buy lexapro

  75. by KelvinAxosy 1 week ago

    Zoloft for sale: purchase generic Zoloft online discreetly – cheap Zoloft

  76. by Burtonmog 1 week ago

    Zoloft online pharmacy USA Zoloft Company Zoloft for sale

  77. by Tommyutigo 1 week ago

    https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/# USA-safe Accutane sourcing

  78. by LeroyFep 1 week ago

    buy Cialis online cheap: Tadalafil From India – generic Cialis from India

  79. by KelvinAxosy 1 week ago

    Cialis without prescription: Tadalafil From India – cheap Cialis Canada

  80. by Burtonmog 1 week ago

    cost propecia price Finasteride From Canada Propecia for hair loss online

  81. by LeroyFep 1 week ago

    lexapro discount: Lexapro for depression online – Lexapro for depression online

  82. by Tommyutigo 7 days ago

    https://zoloft.company/# Zoloft for sale

  83. by KelvinAxosy 7 days ago

    tadalafil online no rx: tadalafil 5mg uk – cheap Cialis Canada

  84. by Burtonmog 7 days ago

    Accutane for sale isotretinoin online Accutane for sale

  85. by LeroyFep 7 days ago

    generic isotretinoin: Accutane for sale – Isotretinoin From Canada

  86. by Theronbew 6 days ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# compare lexapro prices

  87. by LeroyFep 6 days ago

    buy lexapro online without prescription: Lexapro for depression online – Lexapro for depression online

  88. by KelvinAxosy 6 days ago

    purchase generic Zoloft online discreetly: buy Zoloft online – generic sertraline

  89. by Theronbew 6 days ago

    https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/# purchase generic Accutane online discreetly

  90. by Tommyutigo 6 days ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# Lexapro for depression online

  91. by LeroyFep 6 days ago

    Lexapro for depression online: where can i purchase lexapro online – Lexapro for depression online

  92. by Burtonmog 6 days ago

    buy generic tadalafil buy Cialis online cheap cheap Cialis Canada

  93. by Theronbew 6 days ago

    http://tadalafilfromindia.com/# tadalafil 2.5 mg tablets india

  94. by LeroyFep 6 days ago

    Lexapro for depression online: Lexapro for depression online – buy lexapro online without prescription

  95. by Burtonmog 6 days ago

    isotretinoin online USA-safe Accutane sourcing isotretinoin online

  96. by Theronbew 6 days ago

    http://finasteridefromcanada.com/# Finasteride From Canada

  97. by Tommyutigo 5 days ago

    https://zoloft.company/# generic sertraline

  98. by LeroyFep 5 days ago

    can you buy lexapro over the counter: Lexapro for depression online – lexapro 15mg

  99. by Burtonmog 5 days ago

    where can i purchase lexapro online Lexapro for depression online Lexapro for depression online

  100. by KelvinAxosy 5 days ago

    Finasteride From Canada: order propecia without insurance – cheap Propecia Canada

  101. by Theronbew 5 days ago

    https://tadalafilfromindia.shop/# tadalafil online no rx

  102. by LeroyFep 5 days ago

    sertraline online: Zoloft online pharmacy USA – cheap Zoloft

  103. by Burtonmog 5 days ago

    Lexapro for depression online Lexapro for depression online lexapro online prescription

  104. by KelvinAxosy 5 days ago

    Zoloft online pharmacy USA: purchase generic Zoloft online discreetly – Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  105. by Tommyutigo 5 days ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# where can i buy generic lexapro

  106. by LeroyFep 5 days ago

    lexapro cheapest price: lexapro cost australia – compare lexapro prices

  107. by Burtonmog 5 days ago

    lexapro buy lexapro brand name discount Lexapro for depression online

  108. by Theronbew 5 days ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# Lexapro for depression online

  109. by KelvinAxosy 5 days ago

    sertraline online: buy Zoloft online without prescription USA – Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  110. by LeroyFep 4 days ago

    Cialis without prescription: buy tadalafil 20mg price in india – tadalafil 5mg tablets price

  111. by Theronbew 4 days ago

    http://finasteridefromcanada.com/# Propecia for hair loss online

  112. by Burtonmog 4 days ago

    cheap Propecia Canada generic Finasteride without prescription generic Finasteride without prescription

  113. by LeroyFep 4 days ago

    isotretinoin online: cheap Accutane – USA-safe Accutane sourcing

  114. by Theronbew 4 days ago

    https://zoloft.company/# Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  115. by Tommyutigo 4 days ago

    http://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/# generic isotretinoin

  116. by Burtonmog 4 days ago

    generic Cialis from India Tadalafil From India tadalafil online no rx

  117. by KelvinAxosy 4 days ago

    buy Cialis online cheap: cheap Cialis Canada – tadalafil online no rx

  118. by LeroyFep 4 days ago

    buy propecia price: cheap Propecia Canada – Finasteride From Canada

  119. by Burtonmog 4 days ago

    buy Zoloft online without prescription USA Zoloft for sale Zoloft for sale

  120. by KelvinAxosy 4 days ago

    order isotretinoin from Canada to US: Accutane for sale – buy Accutane online

  121. by LeroyFep 4 days ago

    cheap Zoloft: Zoloft online pharmacy USA – generic sertraline

  122. by Burtonmog 3 days ago

    buy Accutane online purchase generic Accutane online discreetly buy Accutane online

  123. by Tommyutigo 3 days ago

    https://zoloft.company/# cheap Zoloft

  124. by KelvinAxosy 3 days ago

    generic sertraline: cheap Zoloft – cheap Zoloft

  125. by LeroyFep 3 days ago

    Finasteride From Canada: Propecia for hair loss online – Finasteride From Canada

  126. by KelvinAxosy 3 days ago

    buying cheap propecia price: generic Finasteride without prescription – Finasteride From Canada

  127. by LeroyFep 3 days ago

    Propecia for hair loss online: Finasteride From Canada – Finasteride From Canada

  128. by LeroyFep 3 days ago

    sertraline online: Zoloft for sale – buy Zoloft online

  129. by Tommyutigo 3 days ago

    https://zoloft.company/# Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  130. by LeroyFep 3 days ago

    buy Accutane online: purchase generic Accutane online discreetly – purchase generic Accutane online discreetly

  131. by LeroyFep 2 days ago

    Zoloft Company: cheap Zoloft – generic sertraline

  132. by LeroyFep 2 days ago

    Cialis without prescription: Tadalafil From India – Tadalafil From India

  133. by Tommyutigo 2 days ago

    https://lexapro.pro/# Lexapro for depression online

  134. by Ralphneera 2 days ago

    cheap amoxicillin 500mg: antibiotic treatment online no Rx – Clear Meds Direct

  135. by JamesBlopy 2 days ago

    amoxicillin 250 mg price in india ClearMeds Direct Clear Meds Direct

  136. by Larryfen 2 days ago

    prednisone 20mg tablets where to buy: order corticosteroids without prescription – ReliefMeds USA

  137. by Ralphneera 2 days ago

    order corticosteroids without prescription: order corticosteroids without prescription – prednisone 100 mg

  138. by JamesBlopy 2 days ago

    amoxicillin online without prescription amoxicillin 875 125 mg tab Clear Meds Direct

  139. by PatrickGek 1 day ago

    https://neuroreliefrx.shop/# NeuroRelief Rx

  140. by Larryfen 1 day ago

    anti-inflammatory steroids online: anti-inflammatory steroids online – order corticosteroids without prescription

  141. by Ralphneera 1 day ago

    smart drugs online US pharmacy: safe Provigil online delivery service – Modafinil for ADHD and narcolepsy

  142. by JamesBlopy 1 day ago

    low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA Clear Meds Direct ClearMeds Direct

  143. by Ralphneera 1 day ago

    Clear Meds Direct: order amoxicillin without prescription – Clear Meds Direct

  144. by PatrickGek 1 day ago

    https://wakemedsrx.com/# wakefulness medication online no Rx

  145. by JamesBlopy 24 hours ago

    Clomid Hub Clomid Hub Pharmacy Clomid Hub

  146. by Larryfen 23 hours ago

    Relief Meds USA: prednisone for dogs – anti-inflammatory steroids online

  147. by Ralphneera 19 hours ago

    Clomid Hub: can i get generic clomid pill – Clomid Hub Pharmacy

  148. by Ralphneera 12 hours ago

    WakeMedsRX: buy Modafinil online USA – order Provigil without prescription

  149. by JamesBlopy 9 hours ago

    low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA antibiotic treatment online no Rx amoxicillin 500 mg

  150. by Larryfen 6 hours ago

    prednisone 5mg cost: anti-inflammatory steroids online – ReliefMeds USA

  151. by Ralphneera 6 hours ago

    can i order clomid for sale: where to buy clomid – how to get generic clomid price

  152. by JamesBlopy 3 hours ago

    order cheap clomid without rx can you buy cheap clomid without dr prescription where to get generic clomid

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required.

This field is required.