Covers making or publishing an imputation about a person, by words (spoken or written), signs, or visible representation, intending to harm (or knowing it's likely to harm) that person's reputation — with several established exceptions (like truth for the public good, fair comment on public conduct, and court/parliamentary reporting).
Consolidates what were two separate older provisions (definition and punishment) into one section, and — notably — adds community service as an available punishment option alongside imprisonment and fine.
- Community service is now an explicit sentencing option for this offence, part of BNS's broader introduction of that punishment type (see Section 4).
Criminal defamation remains a real, chargeable offence in India (alongside the separate civil-defamation route) — worth knowing before making serious public allegations you can't substantiate.
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Criminal Intimidation
A serious verbal, written, or online threat aimed at forcing you to act (or not act) a certain way is itself a chargeable offence — you don't have to wait for the threat to be carried out.
Punishments, Including the New "Community Service"
Useful context if you're following a minor case (like a first-time petty theft where the property was returned, or a defamation matter) — community service is now a real, legally available outcome, not just imprisonment or a fine.
This is a plain-English summary, not verbatim statutory text. Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website. Always verify against the bare Act (legislative.gov.in) or a qualified advocate before relying on this for an actual legal situation.