Defamation civil side se basically reputation ka damage claim karne ka tareeka hai. Idea simple hai: kisi ne aapke baare me itni serious jhooti baat public me boli ya likhi, ki aapki image, profession, business, ya social standing ko nuksaan hua. Criminal case alag track hai, lekin civil suit me main focus hota hai compensation.

Civil court pehle check karega:
– Kya statement defamatory nature ka tha?
– Kya wo third party tak communicate hua?
– Kya wo false ya misleading tha?
– Kya usse aapko actual harm hua – loss of clients, job issues, mental distress, etc.?

Defendant aksar “truth”, “fair comment”, “privilege” jaise defences uthata hai. Agar wo prove kar de ki baat substantially true thi, ya honest opinion thi on true facts, to suit weak ho sakta hai. Social media ke time me WhatsApp, X (Twitter), Facebook posts, Google reviews – sab evidence ban sakte hain.

Damage quantify karna mushkil hota hai, isliye courts sometimes modest amounts award karte hain, but aggravated cases me higher damages possible hote hain. Kabhi-kabhi apology ya statement withdraw karwana bhi relief ka part hota hai.

Practical tip: impulsive gussa me online kisi ke against defamatory post mat daalo. Aur agar aap victim ho, to screenshots, links, witnesses sab secure rakhna important hai, warna later proof mushkil padta hai.