INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860 (SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON DEFAMATION)

1. A says-“Z is an honest man; he never stole B’s watch”, intending to cause it to be believed that Z did steal B’ watch. Is this a defamation?

    Ans: Yes unless it fall within one of the exceptions.

2. A is asked who stole B’ watch. A points to Z, intending to cause it to be believed that Z stole B’ watch. Is this a defamation?

    Ans: Yes unless it fall within one of the exceptions.

3. A draws a picture of Z running away with B’ watch, intending it to be believed that Z stole B’ watch. Is this a defamation?

     Ans: Yes unless it fall within one of the exceptions.

4. Is it a defamation in A to express in good faith any opinion whatever respecting Z's conduct in petitioning Government on a public question, in signing a requisition for a meeting on a public question, in presiding or attending a such meeting, in forming or joining any society which invites the public support, in voting or canvassing for a particular candidate for any situation in the efficient discharges of the duties of which the public is interested?

    Ans:No

5. It may amount to defamation to impute anything to a deceased person, if the imputation would harm the reputation of that person if living, and is intended to be hurtful to the feelings of his family or other near relatives. True/False

    Ans: True

6. It may amount to defamation to make an imputation concerning a company or an association or collection of persons as such. True/False
     Ans: True

7. An imputation in the form of an alternative or expressed ironically, may amount to defamation. Tue/False
     Ans: True

8. A says of a book published by Z- "Z's book is foolish; Z must be a weak man. Z's book is indecent; Z must be a man of impure mind". Is this defamation?
     Ans: No because it falls within Sixth Exception of Section 499

9. A says-"I am not surprised that Z's book is foolish and indecent, for he is a weak man and a libertines." Is this defamation?
     Ans: Yes in as much as the opinion which he expresses of Z's character is an opinion not founded on Z's book.

10. Accusation preferred in good faith to authorized person falls within which exception to section 499?
      Ans: Eight exception