Multiple choice

A, in good faith, says about a book published by B, “B’s book is indecent. B must be a man of impure mind.” Is this defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code?

  1. Yes, because the opinion respects B’s character.

  2. No, because it falls within one of the exceptions of Section 499.

  3. No, because it is slander.

  4. No, because it has not been repeated.

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Opinion expressed in good faith by A respecting the merits of the book submitted by the author to public judgement. A is within one of the exceptions of section 499 as he expressed his opinion respecting B’s character in good faith and as it appears in the book of B. It is not a defamation under section 499 and falls under the exceptions to defamation under section 499 of Indian Penal Code.

Keep practicing — related questions