Section 222: Prosecution for defamation

Q: What does Section 222 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (BNSS) deal with?

Section 222 BNSS pertains to "Prosecution for defamation". It is part of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a legislation enacted by the Parliament of India. Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (BNSS) governs prosecution for defamation.

Q: Is Section 222 BNSS still in force?

Yes, Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is currently in force across the Republic of India.

Q: What is धारा 222 BNSS?

धारा 222 BNSS is the Devanagari Hindi reference for Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (BNSS) governs prosecution for defamation.

Q: What is Dhara 222 BNSS?

Dhara 222 BNSS is the Roman Hindi reference for Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. "Dhara" means "Section" in Hindi. Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (BNSS) governs prosecution for defamation.

Q: How to cite Section 222 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023?

Cite as: "Section 222, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (BNSS)" in legal briefs. For academic writing, use the BlueBook format: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, 2023, § 222 (India).

Law on Tips Editorial Board

222. Prosecution for defamation.

(1) No Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under Chapter XIX of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, except upon a complaint made by some person aggrieved by the offence:

Provided that where such person is under the age of eighteen years, or is an idiot or a lunatic, or is from sickness or infirmity unable to make a complaint, or is a woman who, according to the local customs and manners, ought not to be compelled to appear in public, some other person may, with the leave of the Court, make a complaint on his or her behalf.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Sanhita, when any offence falling under Chapter XIX of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 is alleged to have been committed against a person being, or being a member of, the President of India, the Vice-President of India, the Governor of a State, a Minister of the Union, a Member of Parliament, a Minister of a State, or a Member of the Legislature of a State, a Court may take cognizance of such offence without a complaint having been made, if so requested in writing by the Public Prosecutor.