# Defamed? It can be a crime.

> Words, signs or pictures that harm a person's reputation, made with intent or knowledge, are defamation under section 499 PPC. Under s.500 it is up to 2 years simple imprisonment, or fine, or both, and up to 5 years for the originator (Schedule II, CrPC).

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 13-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/defamed-it-can-be-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-23

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: If it is true, I can say it anywhere.**
- **Fact: A true imputation is protected only when the public good needs it to be made (PPC s.499, First Exception).**

## The law.

Section 499, PPC.

> "Whoever by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said ... to defame that person." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 499)

## What counts as harm.

Explanation 4, section 499.

- **Character** It lowers his moral or intellectual character in others' eyes.
- **Work** It lowers him in his caste or calling.
- **Credit** It lowers his credit.

## Not only the living.

Explanations 1 and 2.

- **The dead** It may be defamation, if meant to hurt the family.
- **A company** Or an association or group, as such.
- **Irony** Said as an alternative or ironically, it may still count (Expl. 3).

## The punishment.

Sections 500 and 501, PPC.

- **Defaming, s.500** Up to 2 years simple imprisonment, or fine, or both.
- **The originator** Up to 5 years, or fine, or both (Schedule II, CrPC).
- **Printing it, s.501** Up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

## Where it is allowed.

Four of the ten exceptions.

- **Truth** True, and the public good needs it said.
- **Public servants** A good faith opinion on how they do their public job.
- **Court reports** A substantially true report of court proceedings.
- **Complaints** A good faith accusation to someone with authority over him.

## Quick quiz. The complaint.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. Yes, it harms him**
- **B. No, it is an exception**
- **C. Only if he is fired**

## Answer: B. Eighth Exception.

Section 499, PPC.

- **The rule** A good faith accusation to a person with lawful authority over him.
- **Example** Accusing Z in good faith before a Magistrate.

## Who can complain.

Section 198, CrPC.

- **The rule** Only the person aggrieved can file the complaint.
- **Exceptions** For a minor, or a woman who should not appear in public, another person may file with the court's leave.
- **Case** 2011 PCrLJ 865: leave of the court is needed.

## How it runs.

Schedule II, CrPC, and 2022 SCMR 356.

- **Arrest** Not without a warrant. Bailable and compoundable.
- **Court** Triable by the Court of Session.
- **The route** Sent up to the Court of Session by a Magistrate, not filed there directly.

## Someone defaming you?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **My neighbour is telling people I am a thief. Can I file a defamation case?**
- **What are the exceptions to defamation under section 499 PPC?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 499: Defamation

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

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