Concept Page

Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code

Full article in progress. Check back soon.

About — Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code

Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code defines the offence of defamation, stating that any person who harms another’s reputation by spoken or written words, or visible representation, is punishable. It is significant because it balances freedom of expression with protection of dignity, and has been invoked in high‑profile cases such as the 2016 defamation suit against a Bollywood actor.