IMAGES
Top court upholds validity of criminal defamation laws
New Delhi, May 13 (IBNS) The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the constitutional validity of criminal defamation laws, which, curiously, were challenged by rival politicians, including Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and his family's chief baiter, the BJP's Subramanian Swamy.
According to reports, the top court said, "we have to strike a balance between fundamental rights to freedom of speech and the reputation of an individual."
Questioning the constitutional validity of sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which provide for criminal defamation, the petitioners argued that the provisions under these sections are not needed as the Constitution's Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restriction on freedom of speech and expression.
The petitioners said the defamation law has been misused by politicians to gag rivals and the media.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu's Captain Vijaykanth and several journalists who have been sued for defamation followed with petitions challenging the criminal defamation laws.
The Centre had told the court that defamation cases are decided very fast in other countries like Britain, while in India, they take years, even decades.
Top Headlines
-
News
Canada acknowledges domestic funding of Khalistani terror groups in report
September 06, 2025
-
News
Jaishankar to represent India at virtual BRICS Summit convened by Brazil next week
September 06, 2025
-
News
PM Modi to skip general debate at UNGA special session, Jaishankar to represent India
September 06, 2025
-
News
'India, US have a special relationship, nothing to worry about': Trump softens stance on New Delhi; Modi 'reciprocates sentiments'
September 06, 2025
-
News
'I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great PM': Donald Trump as he tones down on India over tariff
September 06, 2025
-
News
Indias Tax Reforms: A bold counterstrike to US tariffs and a big push for Atmanirbhar Bharat
September 05, 2025
-
News
'Change is imminent, embrace the reality': Education sector stares at transformation in age of AI
August 31, 2025
-
News
Global Collaboration Forum, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park ink MoU to support startups ahead of London summit
August 30, 2025
-
News
India Setu curtain raiser showcases AI, healthcare, and conservation as drivers of global collaboration
August 27, 2025
-
News
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi, gifts tri-colour that travelled to space
August 18, 2025
