IPC Section 502
π Section 502 IPC β Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter
This section is part of the defamation-related provisions under the IPC (Sections 499β502).
πΉ Meaning of Section 502
If a person sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance (like books, newspapers, posters, pamphlets, leaflets, caricatures, cartoons, etc.) knowing that it contains defamatory matter, then he commits an offence.
πΉ Ingredients of the Offence
To prove liability under Section 502, these must be shown:
There must be a printed or engraved substance
e.g., book, magazine, poster, cartoon, caricature, leaflet.
It must contain defamatory matter
i.e., something that harms the reputation of a person, as explained in Section 499 IPC.
The accused must sell or offer to sell that substance.
Knowledge
The seller must know that the substance contains defamatory matter.
Mere innocent selling without knowledge is not punishable.
πΉ Punishment (as per Section 502 IPC)
Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or
Fine, or
Both.
π Example Scenarios
A bookseller sells a pamphlet attacking the character of a local leader, and he knows it contains defamatory statements. β He is liable under Section 502 IPC.
A newspaper vendor distributes a paper containing defamation but he genuinely doesnβt know about the defamatory article. β He is not liable under Section 502.
A publisher intentionally circulates caricatures mocking a person in a defamatory way. β He is liable under this section.
πΉ Purpose
To ensure that defamatory material is not spread through trade, sale, or circulation.
To hold accountable not only the author/publisher, but also those who knowingly distribute such material.
β
In short:
Section 502 IPC punishes anyone who sells or offers to sell printed or engraved defamatory material, knowing it to be defamatory, with up to 2 yearsβ imprisonment, fine, or both.
RELATED Blog
0 comments