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IPC Section 501 - Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory
Last Updated: 01 Mar, 2025
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(IPC Section is included as a sub-section in BNS sans heading.)
Please refer to BNS 356 for updated procedures & punishments.
IPC 501 in Simple Words
If someone prints or engraves any content, knowing or having good reason to believe that it is defamatory about a person, they can be punished with up to two years of simple imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Simple Imprisonment for 2 Years or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Court of Session |
| Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory, in any other case | Simple Imprisonment for 2 Years or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Magistrate First Class |
Offence : 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
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Court of Session
Offence : Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory, in any other case
Punishment : Simple Imprisonment for 2 Years or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Magistrate First Class
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