Newspaper Libel, An Introduction: With Special Emphasis on Indian Case Law

Abstract

The researcher has tried to answer a few basic questions about newspaper libel and its position in Indian case law. In order to do so, the definition of defamation, distinctions under defamation and the elements, defences and remedies of libel with regard to case law, both Indian and foreign, have been analysed. The researcher has examined the historical value of the right to reputation and how, with the growing importance of human rights and freedom of speech, the balance is gradually getting more evened out between the two.

It is to be kept in mind that the citation followed in the paper is the NLS Guide to Uniform Legal Citation, followed in certain Indian law schools.

Keywords: libel, india, defamation, newspaper, nakheeran, tort, rajagopal, slander, law