Only the original writer of defamatory content can be punished.

Anyone who prints or engraves the material while knowing or having good reason to believe it is defamatory can also be prosecuted under this section.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 501

repealed

Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory

Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.§

Why this exists

This provision extends liability for defamation beyond the original author of a defamatory statement to those who physically print or engrave it, such as publishers or printing presses, when they know or have good reason to believe the material is defamatory. It recognises that printers play a crucial role in spreading defamatory content and should not be able to claim ignorance when the defamatory nature of the material would have been obvious to them.

Common misconceptions

Myth: Only the original writer of defamatory content can be punished.
Fact: Anyone who prints or engraves the material while knowing or having good reason to believe it is defamatory can also be prosecuted under this section.