UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — HC issues notice to NDTV over Anil Ambani’s complaint
Q1. In Indian law, which one of the following best describes the offence of 'criminal defamation' as currently codified?
- A. Publication or making of any imputation concerning a person, intending to or knowing it likely to harm their reputation, punishable under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- B. Publication of any false statement against a public servant in the discharge of official duty, exclusively punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- C. Dissemination of any disparaging trade communication about a rival enterprise, actionable only under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- D. Circulation of rumours or reports likely to cause alarm to the public, punishable under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Q2. With reference to defamation law in India as it stands in 2026, consider the following statements:
1. Criminal defamation is now codified under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced Sections 499–500 of the Indian Penal Code.
2. Civil defamation in India is governed by a codified statute enacted by Parliament, distinct from common law tort principles.
3. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, truth by itself is an absolute defence to criminal defamation, irrespective of whether its publication was for the public good.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Criminal defamation is now codified under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced Sections 499–500 of the Indian Penal Code.
- Civil defamation in India is governed by a codified statute enacted by Parliament, distinct from common law tort principles.
- Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, truth by itself is an absolute defence to criminal defamation, irrespective of whether its publication was for the public good.
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 2 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q3. The defamation suit filed by Anil Ambani against NDTV in May 2026 was instituted before which one of the following forums in exercise of its specific jurisdiction?
- A. Delhi High Court, in exercise of its ordinary original civil jurisdiction
- B. Supreme Court of India, in exercise of its writ jurisdiction under Article 32
- C. Press Council of India, in exercise of its statutory adjudicatory powers under the Press Council Act, 1978
- D. National Company Law Tribunal, Delhi Bench, in exercise of its corporate-dispute jurisdiction
Q4. With reference to the legal and constitutional framework relevant to the Anil Ambani v. NDTV defamation proceedings before the Delhi High Court in 2026, consider the following identifications:
1. Article 19(1)(a) — guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, which the press enjoys as part of this right.
2. Article 19(2) — permits the State to impose reasonable restrictions on free speech, including in relation to defamation.
3. Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — provides for the offence of criminal defamation.
4. Article 21 — has been judicially interpreted to include the right to reputation as a facet of the right to life and personal liberty.
Which of the above is/are correctly identified?
- Article 19(1)(a) — guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, which the press enjoys as part of this right.
- Article 19(2) — permits the State to impose reasonable restrictions on free speech, including in relation to defamation.
- Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — provides for the offence of criminal defamation.
- Article 21 — has been judicially interpreted to include the right to reputation as a facet of the right to life and personal liberty.
- A. 1 and 3 only
- B. 2 and 4 only
- C. 1, 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2, 3 and 4