Defamation means damaging a person’s reputation through false statements. In India, it can be addressed in two ways — civil and criminal.

Civil Defamation

• Governed by tort law (common law principles).

• Remedy: Monetary compensation for loss of reputation.

• Standard of proof: Balance of probabilities.

Criminal Defamation

• Governed by Sections 499–500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

• Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both.

• Standard of proof: Beyond reasonable doubt.

Key differences:

• Civil defamation seeks compensation; criminal defamation seeks punishment.

• Civil cases are filed in civil courts; criminal cases are filed in magistrate courts.

• Criminal proceedings can lead to arrest in certain circumstances.

Conclusion: Whether to file civil or criminal defamation depends on your goal — financial recovery or penal action. In some cases, both can be pursued simultaneously.