What are the kinds of defamation in India?
Asked by: Nathanael Leannon | Last update: January 17, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (8 votes)
Defamation can result in two types of liabilities in India – either civil or criminal. The liability for defamation on the criminal side is governed by Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. Section 499 of the IPC consists of the definition and explanation of defamation.
What are the types of defamation in India?
- Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally.
- According to Indian Law, libel and slander, both are considered to be criminal offences.
Can you sue someone for defamation in India?
Under Indian law, a plaintiff can choose to sue for defamation as a criminal offence and/or as a civil offence.
What is an example of a defamation case in India?
Defamation Under Law of Torts
In the case of Ram Jethmalani V. Subramanian Swamy 2006, Delhi High Court, the defendant made the “written final argument” in which Ram Jethmalani was claimed to have also obtained money from LTTE. The plaintiff brought a complaint against the defendant over such an accusation.
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.
What are the types of defamation and their remedies
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.
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.
Can I file defamation case anywhere in India?
For criminal defamation, file in the local magistrate's court.
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.
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.
What is proof of defamation?
To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence ; and 4) damages , or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the ...
Can I file a defamation lawsuit 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.
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 are the five elements necessary to prove defamation?
- An intentional publication of a statement of fact;
- That is false;
- That is unprivileged;
- That has a natural tendency to injure or causes “special damage;” and,
- The defendant's fault in publishing the statement amounted to at least negligence.
How to file a defamation case in India?
- Understand Defamation: Definition: Defamation involves making false statements about someone that damage their reputation. ...
- Gather Evidence: ...
- Seek Legal Advice: ...
- File a Complaint: ...
- Serve the Defendant: ...
- Discovery Phase: ...
- Pre-Trial Motions and Settlements: ...
- Trial:
What are the 2 types of defamation?
This general area of law is called defamation law. Libel and slander are types of defamatory statements. Libel is a defamatory statement that is written. Slander is a defamatory statement that is oral.
How much does it cost to sue someone for defamation?
However, a “retainer” is not what a defamation case costs. 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.
What is the best example of defamation?
- #1 - A single-sided story with critical details omitted. ...
- #2 - Harm to your reputation resulting from bullying, harassment, shaming, or stalking. ...
- #3 - Accusations of unethical or dishonest behavior.
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 is the punishment for defamation in India?
Section 500:- Punishment for defamation
Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
What is an example of defamation in India?
- Subramanian Swamy vs Union Of India, Min. ...
- Asoke Kumar Sarkar And Anr. ...
- Atul Kumar Pandey vs Kumar Avinash on 17 June, 2020. ...
- Shri Kuldeep Singh S/O Late Shri Karam ... ...
- Brig. ( ...
- Miss Kamalini Manmade vs Union Of India (Uoi) on 19 November, 1965. ...
- Purshottam Lal Sayal vs Prem Shanker on 12 April, 1965.
How long do defamation cases take?
With all this said, if a case is not heavily contested or complex and the aforementioned complications are not present, a defamation case will, on average take on average approximately one year to resolve. Conversely, heavily contested and more complex cases generally will take several years to reach a conclusion.
How to calculate defamation damages in India?
Calculating Actual Damages
With respect to losses to the plaintiff's business or profession, the damages suffered are usually measured by the difference between the plaintiff's actual earnings and the plaintiff's projected earnings, but for the defendant's actions.
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.
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.