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Principle: Defamation is the publication of a false statement injuring another's reputation. Truth, made for the public good, is a complete defence. Facts: A newspaper publishes a true article that public official P took bribes, in the public interest. P's defamation suit will

AFail under the truth and public good defence
BSucceed only on independent proof of express malice
CSucceed only against the editor in his personal capacity
DSucceed because reputation was harmed in the article
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Fail under the truth and public good defence
First Exception to Section 499 IPC and its civil-law parallel require truth PLUS public good. The newspaper satisfies both limbs, so the defence succeeds.
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