Got a legal notice for defamation
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Your situation
- Which side are you on? I received a notice or case for defamation
Where you stand
- In your favour True statements made for the public good, and honest opinions, are recognised defences.
Papers to gather
- The defamation notice or court summons you received
Reply deadlines run from it. Where: Your mail. - Proof of what you said and why (facts, documents, good-faith reasons)
Truth, fair comment and good faith are defences. Where: Your records. - 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
- Where was it said or published?
- When was it first published?
Similar 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
- 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