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Defamation / Social Media Harassment

Someone is spreading false information about you, damaging your reputation through social media, or harassing you online with defamatory content.

Do this now
  1. 01Preserve all evidence — take screenshots of defamatory posts
  2. 02Report the content on the social media platform
  3. 03Send a legal notice demanding removal and apology
  4. 04File a criminal complaint at police station for defamation
  5. 05If online — also file on cybercrime.gov.in
  6. 06Do NOT engage publicly or retaliate online
Evidence to collect
  1. Screenshots of defamatory posts/messages with timestamps
  2. Profile details of the person (username, URL)
  3. Witness statements from people who saw the content
  4. Impact on your reputation (job loss, social consequences)
  5. Platform's response to your report
  6. Any prior communication or threats
Documents you need
  1. Legal notice copy
  2. Screenshots with timestamps
  3. FIR copy (if criminal complaint filed)
  4. Proof of damage to reputation
  5. ID proof
  6. Cyber crime portal complaint number (if online)
Where to complain
  1. Police Station — Criminal defamation complaint
  2. Cyber Crime Portal — cybercrime.gov.in (for online)
  3. Civil Court — Defamation suit for damages
  4. Social media platform — Content report
  5. National Commission for Women — If gender-based (ncw.nic.in)
Laws that apply
  1. BNS Section 356 — Defamation
  2. BNS Section 351 — Criminal intimidation
  3. IT Act Section 67 — Publishing obscene material
  4. IT Act Section 66 — Computer related offences
Understanding the issue

Defamation is making false statements about someone to damage their reputation. In India, defamation can be both a criminal offence (punishable under BNS) and a civil wrong (you can claim compensation). Online defamation through social media is also covered. You can send a legal notice, file a criminal complaint, or file a civil suit for damages.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer to send a proper legal notice. If you want to file a civil suit for compensation or a criminal case, a lawyer is essential.