Can you sue someone for defamation in India?

Asked by: Cortez Harvey  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)

Under Indian law, a plaintiff can choose to sue for defamation as a criminal offence and/or as a civil offence.

Can you sue for defamation in India?

A person's reputation and honor are considered as his property under the law and he can file case against anyone who damages it and they will be held accountable and punished.

How much does it cost to file a defamation lawsuit in India?

Defamation Claims:

In the case of a defamation suit claiming Rs. 1 crore, the court fees could be around Rs. 12,110, as indicated in a related case where the plaintiff claimed Rs. 1 crore but paid fees on a lower assessed amount of Rs.

How to prove defamation in India?

Publication: It must be proved that the defamatory statement was seen, heard, or read by a third party. The statement must be published because if there is no publication, there is no harm to the victim's reputation. Injury: The victim has to prove that the statement caused damage or harm to their reputation.

What are the 5 elements of defamation in India?

The Five Elements of Defamation Explained
  • The Information was Made Public. ...
  • The Defaming Statement Names the Person. ...
  • The Defamatory Statement Had a Negative Impact on the Victim's Reputation. ...
  • The Published Remarks are Demonstrably False. ...
  • The Defendant In the Case Is At Fault for the Defamation.

How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations In Court | 5 Tips to Handle False Allegation

15 related questions found

Is it worth suing for defamation?

The answer is, yes, it is worth suing for defamation. When a true case of defamation exists, there are damages that are caused as a result. Those damages are compensable through a civil lawsuit, in California and beyond.

What amounts to defamation in India?

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 ...

Can I file defamation case anywhere in India?

For criminal defamation, file in the local magistrate's court.

Does defamation require proof?

To bring a successful defamation claim in California, you must prove four facts: That someone made a false statement of purported fact about you: That the statement was made (published) to a third party; That the person who made the statement did so negligently, recklessly or intentionally; and.

What is the time limit for defamation case in India?

Under Criminal Law, Defamation is bailable, non-cognizable and compoundable offence. Limitation to file criminal defamation complaint is 3 years from the period of knowledge of offence. The civil remedy is to file a suit for damages and section 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals in criminal defamation.

How much money can you get for suing for defamation?

The amount one can sue for defamation varies widely based on several factors including the severity and extent of damage caused by the defamatory statement. However, damages typically range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on circumstances such as loss earnings and emotional distress.

How can I put defamation case in India?

  1. obtain copy of police compalint filed by company.
  2. issue legal notice to company to with draw false and defamatory allegations made against you.
  3. if company refuses file complaint before magistrate of criminal defamation under section 500 of IPC.

How much does it cost to sue someone in India?

In all suits triable by Court of Small Causes, the fee shall be 10% of the amount claimed subject to a minimum of Rs. 300/. 5. In all money suits, the fee shall be calculated at the rate of 10% of the claim involved in such suits when it does not exceed Rs.

What is the remedy for defamation in India?

Civil Suit against defamation

A civil suit can be filed to obtain damages from the accused as well as seeking an injunction to not continue with the [publication of defamatory material. Here the court fee to be paid shall be according to the quantum of relief being sought.

Can you sue someone in India?

The civil suit process in India involves many steps that are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It begins with the filing of the plaint followed by a hearing, filing of a written statement by the defendant, and submission of replication by the plaintiff.

What is the famous case on defamation in India?

Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India is one among the famous landmark cases on defamation law. The Court emphasised the importance of the role played by the Magistrate in defamation case.

How difficult is it to win a defamation suit?

Defamation lawsuits are not easy to win because the plaintiff must both prove the difficult elements of his or her case and avoid the many defenses to defamation. This article discusses some of the standard defenses to defamation, including truth and privilege.

Can I sue for defamation without a lawyer?

A defamation case is a serious legal action, which means you'll want an expert defamation lawyer to help present your case. Furthermore, you'll need one who understands the complexities the age of the Internet has introduced to these kinds of cases.

What percentage of defamation cases are won?

Floyd Abrams, a New York lawyer who specializes in representing media organizations, estimates that individuals who sue for libel win about 75 percent of the cases that end up before a jury. But the media succeed in reversing jury verdicts most of the time after they appeal to higher courts.

Is defamation illegal in India?

Under Indian law, defamation can be a civil wrong or a criminal offence. Civil defamation can be libel (through writing) or slander (spoken word), and is based on tort law (law imposing civil liability). It is punishable with financial compensation, and damages are computed based on probabilities.

What is the court fee for defamation suit in India?

between ₹ 10 Lakh and upto ₹ 10 million at 8% and above ₹ 10 million 1% of the amount claimed. To illustrate, if damages is claimed in a defamation suit for Rs. 10 lakhs, the plaintiff is required to pay an amount of ₹ 98,400/- as court fees.

How much does it cost to file a defamation lawsuit?

The average cost of a defamation lawsuit at Minc Law typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Some defamation lawsuits are resolved for less, while others may be more costly, depending on the unique facts of each situation.

How do I file a defamation suit in India?

Filing a defamation case in India involves several steps:
  1. Draft a legal notice detailing the defamatory statements and their impact on your reputation.
  2. Send the notice through a registered lawyer.
  3. If the accused does not retract their statement or apologize, file a complaint before the appropriate court.

How much money can you sue for defamation?

A judge or jury can award a victorious defamation plaintiff millions for really bad cases, or $1 in compensatory damages if they find that the injury was nominal. However, usually, nominal damages will not be awarded unless the plaintiff's case is incredibly petty, or punitive damages can also be awarded.

What is the sentence for defamation in India?

India Code: Section Details. Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.