Fake negative review hurting my business
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Which side are you on? Someone defamed me
- Where was it said or published? Review site
Where you stand
- Next step A takedown request to the platform is often faster than any court case.
Do these now
- Report the post to the platform’s Grievance Officer
Often the fastest relief. Where: Platform help centre / grievance contact.
Papers to gather
- Screenshots / copies of the statement with date, link and who posted it
The case rests on the exact words. Where: The post, page or document. - Proof that the statement is false
Truth is a defence, so you must show it is false. Where: Documents, records, witnesses. - Who saw it (shares, comments, people who told you)
Defamation needs publication to third persons. Where: Comments, shares, witnesses. - Proof of harm (lost clients, messages from family, job emails)
Supports damages. Where: Emails, letters. - All messages and posts between you and the other person
Shows provocation, earlier disputes or apologies. Where: Your phone.
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.
Saboot will also ask
- When was it first published?
Similar situations
- Someone posted lies about me on social media
- 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
Sources
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as amended in 2026
- NALSA — free legal aid
The full guide: Someone is spreading lies about me, or I got a defamation notice · All situations