Indian Penal Code 1860
Section 501 :
Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory:
(See section 356(3) of BNS 2023)
Classification of Offence:
Offence: (a) Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory against the President or the Vice-President or the Governor of a State or Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions when instituted upon a complaint made by the Public Prosecutor.
Punishment :Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both.
Cognizable or Non-cognizable :Non-cognizable
Bailable or Non-bailable :Bailable
Compoundable or Non-compoundable : The person defamed.
By Which Court Triable : Court of Session.
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Offence: (b) Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory, in any other case.
Punishment :Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both.
Cognizable or Non-cognizable :Non-cognizable
Bailable or Non-bailable :Bailable
Compoundable or Non-compoundable : The person defamed.
By Which Court Triable :Magistrate of the first class.
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Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
