Supreme Court of India

Subramanian Swamy v Union of India

Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 184 of 201420161 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
Petitioners challenged Ss.499 and 500 IPC and S.199 CrPC as an unreasonable restriction on free speech.
Issue
Whether criminal defamation is constitutionally valid.
Held
Criminal defamation was upheld. Reputation is part of the right to life with dignity under Art.21, and the provisions are a reasonable and proportionate restriction under Art.19(2), not vague.
Principle
Criminal defamation is a valid restriction on free speech protecting reputation.
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Facts

  • Petitioners challenged Ss.499 and 500 IPC and S.199 CrPC as an unreasonable restriction on free speech.

Issue

  1. Whether criminal defamation is constitutionally valid.

Held

  • Criminal defamation was upheld. Reputation is part of the right to life with dignity under Art.21, and the provisions are a reasonable and proportionate restriction under Art.19(2), not vague.

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Citation

Subramanian Swamy v Union of India Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 184 of 2014

Reported: https://api.sci.gov.in/judgment/judis/44579.pdf ; https://indiankanoon.org/doc/80997184/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.