DEFAMATION LAW

WHAT IS DEFAMATION?

Defamation of any kind or damage to a person’s reputation is called defamation.
 The right to social prestige or honor is a unique right of every person. The reputation of a person from a poor person to a great person is more valuable than his wealth. Everyone wants to maintain this social status at
any cost and the law recognizes this right and gives it full protection.
 It was also said that it takes years for a person to earn his respect and one minute is enough to lose respect. Every person in the society has the right to protect his reputation, reputation, fame and social honor from being hurt in any way and also if a person messes with his honor and beauty then he will be against the court ( Court).
 TYPES OF DEFAMATION
1. Libel: – Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Libelous acts only occur when a statement is made in writing (digital statements count as writing).
2. Apland (slander): – The use of a defamatory utterance towards a person is called apocalyptic. Normally the apostles are made by verbal words, signs or latent sounds and the apocalyptic is addressed to the ears.
ESSENTIALS OF DEFAMATION

 

 Like every crime, there are also the essentials of defamation which are as follows.
1. Must be of derogatory remarks or statements.
2. There should be intention to offend.
3. Defamatory remarks or statements should be targeted by the plaintiff.
4. The publication of a statement or comment is a prerequisite, it is necessary for the plaintiff to be informed to someone else as well.
5. The statement should not be of general nature.
IMPORTANCE OF DEFAMATION LAW
 The importance of defamation laws to maintain a person’s reputation and to protect his / her reputation is increasing day by day, although misuse of these laws is also increasing as the defamation laws are suppressed by
political leaders and big corporate Houses are being used as a tool.
 Defamation Law is required because defamation cases have been increasing rapidly in India in the last few years. Political leaders are filing defamation cases against each other on unfounded reasons, after whichthe front party files a defamation case. Many deliberately fake statements, either written or oral, that impair a person’s respect, or confidence; Or induces disapproving, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.
 A person’s reputation is a valuable asset to him in society, which often enables him to obtain material wealth. The most important feature of the constitution is the fundamental rights contained in it. One of the fundamental rights of the constitution includes Right to Life. It is the most important, human, fundamental, infallible, genetic right. This right naturally and rationally requires the highest security.
 According to the interpretation of the best court, many more rights are included in it under the right to life. It has an extended meaning in which right to human dignity, right to livelihood, right to health, right to health, right to pollution free air under right to live, Right to shelter, right to privacy, etc.
 The framers of the Constitution were aware of the importance of Human Dignity and worthiness, so they included human dignity in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. This clearly shows that it is the duty of every person to respect the dignity of others and not try to humiliate him.
 Our Supreme Court also made it clear in a 2016 case that Right to Reputation is an element of personal security and equally liberty property, right to enjoy life (Right) to the Enjoyment of Life).
 Most jurisdictions have provisions for legal action against defamation, so that people do not criticize various types of defamation and baseless criticism.
 Social interest in free expression is based on the idea that there is no society without expression, because communication is the essence of social life. There needs to be a balance between the right to prestige and the right
to freedom of speech and expression.
UNDER WHICH SECTION THE DEFAMATION CASE IS REGISTERED
Defamation law in India, Defamation as a crime is under as:
 According to section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, whoever utters or publishes any blasphemy about a person by words or signs or visuals intended to be spoken or read Hijacking or knowing or believing that there is reason to believe or publish that such person’s fame will be hijacked. He can defame that person.
 Section 500 provides for punishment. Anyone who defames another person will be punished with simple imprisonment for a term of two years or with fine or both. The offense of defamation is non-negotiable and bailable
which will be decided by the Sessions Court.
 Section 501 IPC: He may face imprisonment of up to 2 years or financial fine or both of these, for intentionally defaming someone.
 Section 502 IPC: Imprisonment of someone for his economic purpose can lead to imprisonment of up to 2 years or financial penalty or both of them, under Section 502.
 Section 505 IPC: Presenting any news, fact and report in such a way that any soldier and officer of Indian Water, Land and Air Force is ready for rebellion or rebellion. Any such misinformation that creates fear and fear in our society and people turn against the government. This accused person can be punished with imprisonment for up to 2 years or financial fine or both of them under Section 505.
CRIMINAL DEFAMATION UNDER SECTION 499 OF IPC
Criminal defamation entails proving a crime “beyond any doubt”. Criminal Defamation under Section 499 of IPC – In simple language, under this law, the use of words, symbols, pictures etc. with the intention of defaming any person
through oral or printed means of Indian Penal Code.
 Defamation can take place in two forms – in written form or in oral form. If someone is falsely accused or insulted in writing or in writing against them, it is called “inscription”. When a derogatory statement or speech is made
against a person. Which if people feel hatred or disrespect towards a particular person in their mind, then it is called “apocalyptic”.
 Defamation against the state is contained in Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code, which is called Sedition. Defamation against a community is contained in Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code, which is known as Riot.
 CRIMINAL DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST ANCHOR ARNAB GOSWAMIOn July 5, 2017, 
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor filed a criminal defamation case against the editor of Republic TV Pradhan under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Shashi Tharoor said in his complaint that Mr. Arnab Goswami,
while broadcasting news related to the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar, allegedly made derogatory remarks against her, which hijacked her reputation.
 WHAT IS CYBER ​DEFAMATION LAW?
Under Section 66-A of the Information Technology Act 2000, any person defaming someone using computer, internet or mobile from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social websites and devices is called Cyber Defamation Law
 Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine or Both of these can be punished.
DEFAMATION AND JOURNALISM IN INDIA
 World Press Independence Day or World Press Day is celebrated on 3 May. India slipped two ranks on the World Press Freedom Index ranking last year. Compiled by Reporters Without Boarder (RWB), and Reporters Sans
Frontiers (RSF), the 2018 World Press Freedom Index shows growing bitterness towards journalists.
 According to RWB or RSF report, out of 180 countries, India was ranked 133 in the International Press Freedom Index in 2016, ranked 136 in 2017 and 138 in 2018, indicating that the freedom of media to speak consistently is
being pressed With increasing cases of media silencing, the rules that hinder press freedom need to be reviewed. The rivalry of media, openly encouraged by political leaders, is becoming a major threat to democracy.
DEFENSE AGAINST DEFAMATION
Some defenses against the offense of defamation are included. Immunity – There are exceptions to the defamation defenses available to an accused of the offense of defamation. An accused of defamation can avoid criminal liability by taking recourse to any of the 10 exceptions to Section 499, but the burden of accomplishment will be on the accused.
The exception is as follows –
 Exception (1) – The stigma which is done or published for public welfare is true.
 Exception (2) – Goodwill expressed opinion about the conduct of public servant or goodwill expressed opinion in relation to modesty shown by the conduct of public servant.
 Exception (3) – The opinion expressed in good faith in relation to the conduct of  a person or the modesty shown by such conduct at some point touching the public question.
 Exception (4) – The publication of a summary report of a court proceeding or such proceedings or such proceedings is not defamatory.
 Exception (5) – Good faithly expressed opinion is not defamatory on the merits of civil or criminal judgment. Good faith express opinion on the conduct or modesty of the party, witness or agent is not defamatory.
 Exception (6) – The opinion expressed in good faith on a work or the opinion expressed in good faith on the modesty of the creator of that work is not defamatory.
 Exception (7) – The goodwill in respect of a person authorized by the authority holder is not defamation.
 Exception (8) – It is not defamatory to plead in good faith before the authority.
 Exception (9) – It is not defamatory to defraud in goodwill for public welfare on the modesty of someone else to protect the interests of others.
 Exception (10) – It is not defamatory to warn a person in good faith towards another.
Journalists are given qualified privileges against defamation which means that they cannot be included in a defamation case unless the statements made by them have been used to defame someone.
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