⚖ BNS: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Whoever by words either spoken or intended to be read or by signs or by visible representations makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of such person is said except in the cases hereinafter excepted to defame that person. First Exception: It is not defamation to impute anything which is true concerning any person if it be for the public good. Fourth Exception: It is not defamation to publish a substantially true report of the proceedings of a Court of Justice. Ninth Exception: It is not defamation to make an imputation on the character of another in good faith for the protection of the interests of the person making it.