BNS Section 356: (1) Defamation
Equivalent Legacy Law: IPC Section 499
Procedural Classification Summary
Defamation 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. Defamation in any other case
Bailable: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary)
Cognizable: Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant)
Triable by: Any Magistrate
Punishment: Imprisonment for 5 years and fine. I mprisonment for 1 year, or fine, or both. Simple imprisonment for 24 hours, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both or with community service. Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine or both, or community service. Simple imprisonment for 2 y ears, or fine or both, or community service. class
Official Legal Provision / Summary
IPC Section is included as a sub section. 356 (2) Defamation punishment. 500 IPC section is included as a sub-section in BNS sans heading. “or with community service” is added as an alternate punishment. 356 (3) Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory. 501 IPC Section is included as a sub-section in BNS sans heading. 356 (4) Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter. 502 Ditto.