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Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.
Legal Principles:
1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.
2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.
3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.
4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.
5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.
Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.
Q. Decide whether he will succeed.
  • a)
    No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.
  • b)
    The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.
  • c)
    No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.
  • d)
    Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamation
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by ...
The libel action against the editors of the magazine will succeed for the following reasons: (1) Kaushal was called "Naxalite" and a "Communist-fronter" because it is an intentional false communication (written/published in the paper). It is not a mere vulgar abuse, It lowers Kaushal's reputation in the estimation of right-thinking individuals. Both libel and slander are suitable as both are defamation and this is a case of defamation of libel nature. Kaushal is not a public official so he need not prove that the speaker acted with malice. Whether the newspaper acted or not acted with malice is not important in this case because Kaushal is not a public official.
Hence, the correct option is (D).
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Directions:The question is based on the reasoning and arguments, or facts and principles set out in the passage. Some of these principles may not be true in the real or legal sense, yet you must conclusively assume that they are true for the purpose. Please answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. Do not rely on any principle of law other than the ones supplied to you, and do not assume any facts other than those supplied to you when answering the question. Please choose the option that most accurately and comprehensively answers the question.Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a persons reputation; decreases the respect, regard or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person is known as defamation. Defamation is the act of making untrue statements about another which damages his/her reputation.It is a statement that injures someones reputation. Defamation is the act of saying false things in order to make people have a bad opinion of someone. Defamation may be defined as a communication to some person, other than the person defamed, of the matter which tends to lower the plaintiff in the estimation of right thinking persons or to deter them from associating or dealing with him. Defamation is a wrong done by a person to anothers reputation by words, written or spoken, sign or other visible representation.Defamation is of two kinds Libel and Slander. If the statement is made in writing and published in some permanent and visible form, then the defamation is called Libel. Whereas, if the statement is made by some spoken words then the defamation is called Slander.Defamation may be a civil charge or a criminal charge under Section 499 and 500 of IPC.Section 499 Of IPC: 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.Section 500 of IPC: Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or both.A victim, to win a lawsuit, has to prove that a false statement was made and published, and the same caused injury to the reputation of the victim. However, there are defences which can be raised such as a true statement or if it was a fair and honest comment or criticism made in public interest.Q.Two employees in an office wanted to poke fun at their colleague and began to reveal sensitive messages he had sent to other female colleagues in the office. He wished to sue them for defamation. Will he succeed?

Directions:The question is based on the reasoning and arguments, or facts and principles set out in the passage. Some of these principles may not be true in the real or legal sense, yet you must conclusively assume that they are true for the purpose. Please answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. Do not rely on any principle of law other than the ones supplied to you, and do not assume any facts other than those supplied to you when answering the question. Please choose the option that most accurately and comprehensively answers the question.Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a persons reputation; decreases the respect, regard or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person is known as defamation. Defamation is the act of making untrue statements about another which damages his/her reputation.It is a statement that injures someones reputation. Defamation is the act of saying false things in order to make people have a bad opinion of someone. Defamation may be defined as a communication to some person, other than the person defamed, of the matter which tends to lower the plaintiff in the estimation of right thinking persons or to deter them from associating or dealing with him. Defamation is a wrong done by a person to anothers reputation by words, written or spoken, sign or other visible representation.Defamation is of two kinds Libel and Slander. If the statement is made in writing and published in some permanent and visible form, then the defamation is called Libel. Whereas, if the statement is made by some spoken words then the defamation is called Slander.Defamation may be a civil charge or a criminal charge under Section 499 and 500 of IPC.Section 499 Of IPC: 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.Section 500 of IPC: Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or both.A victim, to win a lawsuit, has to prove that a false statement was made and published, and the same caused injury to the reputation of the victim. However, there are defences which can be raised such as a true statement or if it was a fair and honest comment or criticism made in public interest.Q.An angry neighbour after having enough of the noise pollution emanating from Rohits house, made a poster referring to Rohit as a son of a donkey and emailed it to him. Can Rohit successfully file a suit for defamation against the neighbour?

A person is said to defame another when he injures his reputation in the eyes of the right thinking member of the society. The liability of a person who repeats a defamatory matter arises in the same way as the originator, because every repetition is a fresh publication, giving rise to a fresh cause of action. People who disseminate the defamatory matter are equally liable, unless they did not know or in spite of reasonable diligence could not have known that what they were circulating was defamatory."Balance between one person's right to freedom of speech and another's right to protect their good name."Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken , that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person is known as defamation. It is a statement that injures someone's reputation. Defamation is the act of saying false things in order to make people have a bad opinion of someone.Defamation is a wrong done by a person to another's reputation by words, written or spoken, sign or other visible representation. In a motion picture, not only the photographic part of it is considered to be a libel but also the speech which synchronizes with it.If the victim has to win a lawsuit relating to defamation, then the victim has to prove the following essentials:(1) Statement- There must be a statement which can be spoken, written, pictured or even gestured.(2) Publication- For a statement to be published, a third party must have seen, heard or read the defamatory statement. If there is no publication there is no injury of reputation and no action will arise.(3) Injury- The above statement must have caused an injury to the subject of the statement. It means that the statement must tend to injure the reputation of a person to whom it refers.(4) Falsity- The defamatory statement must be false. If the statement is not false then the statement will not be considered as defamatory statement.(5) Unprivileged- In order for a statement to be defamatory, it must be unprivileged. There are certain circumstances, under which a person cannot sue someone for defamation.Q. A book was published by an author in which it was alleged that Mr Y, a famous actor, has been convicted for bigamy. On an action by Mr. Y, the author published an apology in various newspapers all around the country along with a notice that the book has been withdrawn. Various copies of the book were transported through X airways, an airways company to Sinha library situated in a different city. The book was circulated amongst the members of the library. Mr Y. brought an action against the airways company and the library. Whether the action against the airways company would be successful?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, by signs or other visible representation that harms a persons reputation; decreases the respect, regard or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person is known as defamation. Defamation is the act of making untrue statements about another which damages his/her reputation.Defamation may be defined as a communication to some person, other than the person defamed, of the matter which tends to lower the plaintiff in the estimation of right thinking persons or to deter them from associating or dealing with him.Defamation is of two kinds Libel and Slander. If the statement is made in writing and published in some permanent and visible form, then the defamation is called Libel. If the statement is made by spoken words then the defamation is called Slander.Defamation may be a civil charge or a criminal charge under Section 499 and 500 of IPC.Section 499 Of IPC: 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.Section 500 of IPC: Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or both.A victim, to win a lawsuit, has to prove that a false statement was made and published, and the same caused injury to the reputation of the victim. However, there are defences which can be raised such as a true statement or if it was a fair and honest comment or criticism made in public interest.[Extracted with edits and revisions from Defamation, www.legalserviceindia.com]Q.Hari learned from his pals that Ravi had been harassing him by spreading untrue rumors about him. He brought a defamation claim in response to this. Can it be successful?

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Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2024 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Given below is a statement of legal principle followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts given below and select the most appropriate answer.Legal Principles:1. Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.2. The statement must tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of society.3. A mere vulgar abuse is not defamation.4. Defamation encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, called slander.5. A public official or public figure can recover damages for defamation on a matter of public concern only if he proves that the speaker acted with actual malice.Facts: In 2018, a police officer, Suresh Singh, shot and killed Dayal. After the officer was convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Dayal's family retained a lawyer, Kaushal, to represent them in civil litigation against the officer. In a magazine called Indian Opinion, the Anti-Communist Society accused Kaushal of being a “Naxalite” and a “Communist-fronter” because he chose to represent clients who were suing a law enforcement officer. Because the statements contained serious inaccuracies, Kaushal filed a libel action against the editors of the magazine.Q. Decide whether he will succeed.a)No, as it is mere vulgar abuse.b)The statement may be defamatory but the editors of the magazine are not liable unless Kaushal is able to establish actual malice in making the statement.c)No, as the statement does not tend to lower Kaushal in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and print media is known for such type of journalism.d)Yes, as statement is defamatory and Kaushal is not required to establish actual malice to successfully bring a claim of defamationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.
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