Supreme Court Signals Need To Decriminalise Defamation

The Supreme Court indicated it’s time to decriminalise defamation, marking a shift from its 2016 stance. While hearing a plea involving The Wire, Justice MM Sundresh supported reform. Defamation remains criminal under Section 356 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replacing IPC Section 499, previously upheld in the Subramanian Swamy vs Union of India case.