{"id":16225,"date":"2026-02-24T07:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=16225"},"modified":"2026-02-24T07:38:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:38:51","slug":"defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/","title":{"rendered":"Defamation Under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Defamation\"><\/span>What Is Defamation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defamation arises when a person makes or publishes any wrong or false statement or allegations or false imputation related to any person, by words either spoken or written or by signs or in any form, it is said to defame that person.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#What_Is_Defamation\" >What Is Defamation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Objective\" >Objective<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Kinds_Of_Defamation\" >Kinds Of Defamation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Provision_Of_Defamation_Under_BNS_Section_356\" >Provision Of Defamation Under BNS (Section 356)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Illustration\" >Illustration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Case\" >Case<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Youssoupoff_v_MGM_Pictures_Ltd_1934\" >Youssoupoff v. MGM Pictures Ltd (1934)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Essentials_Of_Defamation\" >Essentials Of Defamation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Explanation_Of_Section_356\" >Explanation Of Section 356<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Exceptions_Of_Defamation\" >Exceptions Of Defamation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Objective_Of_The_Exceptions\" >Objective Of The Exceptions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Punishment_For_Defamation_Under_Bns_Section_356\" >Punishment For Defamation Under Bns Section 356<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Section_3562\" >Section 356(2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Section_3563\" >Section 356(3)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Section_3564\" >Section 356(4)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Summary_Of_Punishments_Under_Section_356\" >Summary Of Punishments Under Section 356<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Key_Landmark_Cases_On_Defamation_Under_Bns\" >Key Landmark Cases On Defamation Under Bns<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Ram_Jethmalani_vs_Subramanian_Swamy_2006\" >Ram Jethmalani vs. Subramanian Swamy (2006)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Mobashar_Jawed_Akbar_v_Priya_Ramani_2021\" >Mobashar Jawed Akbar v. Priya Ramani (2021)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Subramanian_Swamy_v_Union_of_India_2016\" >Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Amitabh_Bachchan_vs_Star_India_Pvt_Ltd_2014\" >Amitabh Bachchan vs Star India Pvt. Ltd. (2014)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/#Conclusion_Balance_Between_Liberty_And_Reputation\" >Conclusion: Balance Between Liberty And Reputation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"objective-of-law-of-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objective\"><\/span>Objective<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1)(a) is highly respected if it is exercised in a bona fide manner and without hurting the sentiments of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kinds-of-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kinds_Of_Defamation\"><\/span>Kinds Of Defamation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Type<\/th><th>Description<\/th><th>Legal Requirement<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Libel<\/strong><\/td><td>Libel includes published, recorded, or broadcast material.<\/td><td>Libel is often actionable per se, meaning damages are presumed without proving actual loss.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slander<\/strong><\/td><td>Slander involves verbal, non-permanent, or gestural statements.<\/td><td>Slander generally requires proof of actual, &#8220;special damage&#8221; to be actionable.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"provision-of-defamation-under-bns-section-356\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Provision_Of_Defamation_Under_BNS_Section_356\"><\/span>Provision Of Defamation Under BNS (Section 356)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 356 of BNS states that any person who makes or publishes any false imputation or allegations relating to any person, by words either spoken or written or by signs or visible representation is said to defame that person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"illustration-of-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Illustration\"><\/span>Illustration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tells B that Z&#8217;s restaurant serves rotten food intending B to believe it and not go to Z&#8217;s restaurant again. Here A is guilty of Defamation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"landmark-case-on-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case\"><\/span>Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"youssoupoff-v-mgm-pictures-ltd-1934\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Youssoupoff_v_MGM_Pictures_Ltd_1934\"><\/span>Youssoupoff v. MGM Pictures Ltd (1934)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is a landmark English defamation case establishing that films can constitute libel. Princess Irina of Russia successfully sued MGM for portraying her as seduced or raped by Rasputin in the film &#8220;Rasputin the Mad Monk,&#8221; as the character &#8220;Princess Natasha&#8221; was identifiable as her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"essentials-of-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essentials_Of_Defamation\"><\/span>Essentials Of Defamation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Statement Must Be Published <strong>Case :- South Indian Railway Co. V. Ramakrishna<\/strong> In this case a ticket checker of railway asking for the identity proof and other documents as a part of his duty is no defamation, as he has not published any defamatory statement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imputation Must Be Made By Words, Signs Or Visible Representation Such an imputation or allegations must be made by words either spoken or written or sign or visible representation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imputation Must Harm Reputation An imputation must be made to harm the reputation of person against whom it is made.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intention \/ Knowledge Must Be There Intention\/ knowledge must be there.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explanation-of-section-356\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explanation_Of_Section_356\"><\/span>Explanation Of Section 356<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Explanation No.<\/th><th>Provision<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Explanation 1<\/td><td>Defamation of a deceased person is equivalent to Defamation of a living person.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explanation 2<\/td><td>Imputation concerning a company or an association or collection of persons is Defamation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explanation 3<\/td><td>Defamation by Innuendo i.e. statement that appears innocent on its face but conveys a hidden, secondary, and defamatory meaning to a specific audience with contextual knowledge.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explanation 4<\/td><td>Harming Reputation i.e, a reputation is only damaged if an imputation lowers a person&#8217;s character (moral\/intellectual), caste, calling, or credit in the estimation of others, or implies their body is in a disgraceful state.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exceptions-of-defamation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceptions_Of_Defamation\"><\/span>Exceptions Of Defamation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are 10 exceptions of Defamation under section 356 of BNS &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Imputation of truth in public good requires to be made or published is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public conduct of a public servant in good faith is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conduct of any person approaching any public question in good faith is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Publishing a substantially authentic report of the proceeding of any court of justice or result of any such proceeding does not amount to defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comment on the merits of the case decided in the court or conduct of witnesses and other related to the case is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literary criticism i.e, comment on the merits of public performance is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Censure passed in good faith by a person having lawful authority over another is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accusation desired in good faith to authorised person i.e, Complaint made to the authority is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imputation made in good faith by a person for the protection of his or others Interests is not Defamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cautions intended for the good of a person to whom conveyed or for the public good is not Defamation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"objective-of-the-exceptions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objective_Of_The_Exceptions\"><\/span>Objective Of The Exceptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exceptions strike a balance between freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and individual right to reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"punishment-for-defamation-under-bns-section-356\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Punishment_For_Defamation_Under_Bns_Section_356\"><\/span>Punishment For Defamation Under Bns Section 356<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-356-2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_3562\"><\/span>Section 356(2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whoever defames another shall be published with simple imprisonment of the term which may extend to 2 years with or without fine or with community service (newly added punishment).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-356-3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_3563\"><\/span>Section 356(3)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Printing or engraving any defamatory matter shall be punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years with or without fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-356-4\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_3564\"><\/span>Section 356(4)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling or offering to sell any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter shall be punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years with or without fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary-of-punishments-under-section-356\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Of_Punishments_Under_Section_356\"><\/span>Summary Of Punishments Under Section 356<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Sub-Section<\/th><th>Nature Of Offence<\/th><th>Punishment<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Section 356(2)<\/td><td>Defaming another person<\/td><td>Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, with or without fine, or with community service<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 356(3)<\/td><td>Printing or engraving defamatory matter<\/td><td>Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, with or without fine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 356(4)<\/td><td>Selling or offering defamatory printed\/engraved substance<\/td><td>Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, with or without fine<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-landmark-cases-on-defamation-under-bns\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Landmark_Cases_On_Defamation_Under_Bns\"><\/span>Key Landmark Cases On Defamation Under Bns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ram-jethmalani-vs-subramanian-swamy-2006\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ram_Jethmalani_vs_Subramanian_Swamy_2006\"><\/span>Ram Jethmalani vs. Subramanian Swamy (2006)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Delhi High Court held Dr. Swamy liable for defaming Ram Jethmalani by stating he received money from a banned organization, emphasizing that malicious statements masquerading as public interest are actionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mobashar-jawed-akbar-v-priya-ramani-2021\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobashar_Jawed_Akbar_v_Priya_Ramani_2021\"><\/span>Mobashar Jawed Akbar v. Priya Ramani (2021)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A trial court acquitted journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case filed by former Union Minister M.J. Akbar. The court recognized that a woman cannot be punished for raising sexual harassment allegations, even years later, as it is protected under the right to reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"subramanian-swamy-v-union-of-india-2016\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subramanian_Swamy_v_Union_of_India_2016\"><\/span>Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC (Now section 356 of Bns) ruling that criminal defamation is not an excessive restriction on free speech and that the right to reputation is protected under Article 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"amitabh-bachchan-vs-star-india-pvt-ltd-2014\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Amitabh_Bachchan_vs_Star_India_Pvt_Ltd_2014\"><\/span>Amitabh Bachchan vs Star India Pvt. Ltd. (2014)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A case involving the alleged negative depiction of his name on a quiz show, where the court determined the context was fictional, highlighting the limitations of defamation suits when public interest or artistic expression is involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-balance-between-liberty-and-reputation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Balance_Between_Liberty_And_Reputation\"><\/span>Conclusion: Balance Between Liberty And Reputation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita reinforces that reputation is not merely a social asset but a legally protected right. While freedom of speech remains a cornerstone of democracy, it cannot justify false and malicious imputations. The law draws a firm boundary between fair criticism and unlawful harm. In the digital age, where words travel instantly and widely, accountability becomes even more crucial. Thus, Section 356 stands as a safeguard of dignity, balancing liberty with responsibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Defamation? Defamation arises when a person makes or publishes any wrong or false statement or allegations or false imputation related to any person, by words either spoken or written or by signs or in any form, it is said to defame that person. Objective The right to freedom of speech and expression under<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1217,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[4798,28],"class_list":["post-16225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-criminal-law","tag-criminal-law","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6.1 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Defamation Under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what defamation is under BNS Section 356, its types, exceptions, punishment, and landmark Supreme Court cases in India.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Defamation Under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what defamation is under BNS Section 356, its types, exceptions, punishment, and landmark Supreme Court cases in India.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/defamation-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - 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