Online & other
Someone is spreading lies about me, or I got a defamation notice
Defamation can be fought in criminal court, civil court, or simply by getting the content removed. Save the proof before it disappears.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Criminal defamation is an offence under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; a court can take it up only on a complaint by the person defamed. A civil suit for damages and an injunction is also possible; it should generally be filed within one year of publication. Truth for the public good, fair comment and good-faith opinions are defences. Online content can be reported to the platform’s Grievance Officer under the IT Rules, which must acknowledge and act within set times.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- Screenshots / copies of the statement with date, link and who posted it
The case rests on the exact words. - Proof that the statement is false
Truth is a defence, so you must show it is false. - Who saw it (shares, comments, people who told you)
Defamation needs publication to third persons. - Proof of harm (lost clients, messages from family, job emails)
Supports damages. - The defamation notice or court summons you received
Reply deadlines run from it. - Proof of what you said and why (facts, documents, good-faith reasons)
Truth, fair comment and good faith are defences. - Report the post to the platform’s Grievance Officer
Often the fastest relief. - All messages and posts between you and the other person
Shows provocation, earlier disputes or apologies.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- Which side are you on?
- Where was it said or published?
- When was it first published?
- What harm has it caused?
Sources
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as amended in 2026
- NALSA — free legal aid
Common situations
- Someone posted lies about me on social media
- Fake negative review hurting my business
- Newspaper or channel published false news about me
- I am being sued for defamation over a post
- Got a legal notice for defamation
- Rumours spread about me in the neighbourhood
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