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Principle: A statement is defamatory if it is false AND lowers the reputation of the plaintiff in the eyes of right-thinking members of society. Facts: Newspaper N publishes a story stating that public official O accepted a bribe. The statement is in fact TRUE. O sues N for defamation. Best outcome?
AN is liable but damages will be reduced to nominal because the matter is public interest
BN is liable only if O can prove malice
CN is liable in defamation because reputation has been lowered
DN is not liable because the principle requires falsity, and truth is a complete defence to civil defamation
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. N is not liable because the principle requires falsity, and truth is a complete defence to civil defamation
Applying the principle literally: the statement is defamatory only if it is FALSE. A true statement, however damaging, falls outside the rule. The Indian Penal Code adds 'good of public' as a further qualifier for the criminal offence, but the civil principle in the question already excludes truthful statements.
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