LEGAL PRINCIPLE: Whoever by words or writing conveys to others any imputation concerning any person's reputation is said to defame that person.

FACTUAL SITUATION: During a marriage ceremony, 'A' circulated a pamphlet saying that 'S', sister of the bride, is a thief, she has stolen the shoes of the bridegroom.

DECIDE.

'A' has defamed 'S'.

Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses

'A' has defamed the bridegroom.

No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!

'A' defamed the bride.

No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!

'A' did not defame 'S' as he never intended it.

No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!

Open in App

Solution

The correct option is B 'A' has defamed 'S'.
A defamation as a tort is only a wrong if the defamation is of nature which harms the reputation of a person who is alive. The term "defamation" is an all- encompassing term that covers any statement that hurts someone's reputation. If the statement is made in writing and published, the defamation is called 'libel'. If the hurtful statement is spoken, the statement is called 'slander'. In above case, it is true to say that A has defamed S,the offence of libel has been committed.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Q. Principle : Whoever by words or writing conveys to others any imputation concerning any person's reputation is said to defame that person.
Facts : During a marriage ceremony, 'A' circulated a pamphlet saying that 'S' sister of the bride, is a thief, she has stolen the shoes of the bridegroom.

Q. PRINCIPLE: Whoever by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said to defame that person.
FACTS: In community there is a custom of stealing shoes bridegroom during the marriage ceremony. The shoes of the bridegroom were stolen by Y. 'A' announced that Z has stolen the shoes. Everyone present in the marriage party started staring at Z with great surprise. Z felt very ashamed.

Q. LEGAL PRINCIPLE: Defamation is the publication of a statement which tends to lower reputation of a person in the estimation of other members of the society generally.

FACTUAL SITUATION: 'A' writes a highly offensive and derogatory letter about B, and sends it directly to 'B' in a sealed cover.

Decide.

Consider the following statements about Defamation in India, in light of recent Supreme Court Judgment.
1 Defamation in India is both a civil and a criminal offence.
2. It is an offence under Article 21 which includes the right to reputation.
3. The right to freedom of speech is restricted under defamation law.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

Q. Defamation by spoken words or gestures is knows as ___________________.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program