In answer to the charge of defamation, which of the following is/are good defence(s)?

The First Exception to section 499 protects an imputation of truth which it is for the public good to make or publish; truth alone is not enough. The Second Exception protects an opinion expressed in good faith on the conduct of a public servant in the discharge of public functions. Both defences are available, so the answer is "Both the true imputation published for the public good and the good-faith opinion on a public servant's conduct".

Current law: For offences from 1 July 2024, the corresponding BNS provision is section 356, Exceptions 1 and 2. BNS section 358 preserves prior IPC liabilities and proceedings.