IPC Section 499 — Defamation

defamation

Criminal

Summary

A person is said to defame someone when they say or write something, or use signs or images, that make a harmful statement about that person, and they either intend to harm that person's reputation or know that their statement is likely to do so. This rule applies unless the situation falls under specific exceptions that are listed later in the law.

Official Text

Whoever by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person.

Related Provisions

defamation

Related Judgments

  • SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY vs UNION OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LAW & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2016)
  • B.R.K. AATHITHAN vs SUN GROUP & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2022)
  • SUKRA MAHTO vs BASDEO KUMAR MAHTO & ANR — Supreme Court of India (1971)
  • JOHN THOMAS vs DR. K. JAGADEESAN — Supreme Court of India (2001)

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