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A, in good faith, says of a book published by Z: “Z’s book is indecent; Z must be a man of impure…

This is the Sixth Exception to section 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 499 IPC) and its illustration concerning criticism of a published book.…

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A, in good faith, says of a book published by Z: “Z’s book is indecent; Z must be a man of impure mind.” Is this defamation punishable under section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
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Correct answer C

This is the Sixth Exception to section 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 499 IPC) and its illustration concerning criticism of a published book. Good-faith opinion on the merits of a performance submitted to public judgment may address the author’s character insofar as it appears in that performance, but not further. Thus the stated criticism is protected; slander status or nonrepetition is not the reason.

The punishment provision, section 356(2), also permits community service.

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