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IPC, 1860
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IPCChapter XXISection 502
Section502

Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter

AI Assist

Summary

If a person sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved item knowing it contains defamatory matter, they face criminal punishment. The rule applies when the seller knows the material will harm someone's reputation and makes it available for sale. Punishment is simple imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both.

Example

Priya prints leaflets falsely accusing a shopkeeper of theft and sells them at a market, knowing they are defamatory. She can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to two years, or fined, or both.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing that it contains such matter, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

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XXI

Chapter XXI

Of Defamation

In this chapter

  • 499Defamation
  • 500Punishment for defamation
  • 501Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory
  • 502Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter
Previous · Section 501Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatoryNext · Section 503Criminal intimidation