WHAT
AMOUNTS TO DEFAMATION Defamation may be by words, either spoken or intended
to be read, or by signs or visible representation. Any person who makes or publishes
any imputation concerning any person, knowing or having reason to believe that
such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, to defame that
person.
HOWEVER THERE ARE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS
It
is not defamation to impute anything which is true concerning any person, if it
is for public good that the imputation should be made or published. It
is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion whatever regarding the
conduct or character of a public servant in discharge of his public function.
It is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion regarding the conduct
or character of any person touching any public question. It is
not defamation to publish a substantially true report or result of a Court of
Justice of any such proceedings. It is not defamation to express
in good faith any opinion regarding the merits of any case, which has been decided
by a Court of Justice, or the conduct of any person as a party, or the witness
or the agent, in such case. It is not defamation to express in
good faith any opinion regarding the merits of any performance which an author
has submitted to the judgement of the public. It is not defamation
if a person having any authority over another person, either conferred by law
or arising out of a lawful contract, to pass in good faith any censure on the
conduct of that other in matters to which such lawful authority relates.
It is not defamation to prefer in good faith an accusation against any person
to any of those who have lawful authority over that person with respect to the
subject matter of accusation. It is not defamation to make an
imputation on the character of another person, provided it is made in good faith
by person for protection of his or other's interests. It is not
defamation to convey a caution, intended for the good of a person to whom conveyed
or for public good.
PUNISHMENT FOR DEFAMATION Whoever
defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may
extend to two years, or fine, or both.
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