Karnataka High Court Convicts Newspaper Publisher for Defamation of Police Officer

High Court overturns trial court's acquittal, imposes imprisonment and fine on publisher for defamatory articles.

In a significant legal development, the Karnataka High Court has overturned the acquittal of T. Gururaj, a newspaper publisher, convicting him of defamation for publishing defamatory articles against a police officer. Justice S. Rachaiah delivered the judgment on November 3, 2025, in the criminal appeal filed by the appellant, S.N. Suresh Babu, who served as a Circle Inspector of Police at K.R. Police Station, Mysuru.

The case revolves around defamatory articles published in the "HELLO MYSORE" newspaper, owned by Gururaj, which alleged that Inspector Babu was receiving bribes and facilitating illegal activities, including running a lottery and allowing unauthorized parking. These publications, deemed baseless, purportedly caused significant harm to Babu's reputation, both professionally and personally.

The trial court had initially acquitted Gururaj, finding insufficient evidence of defamation. However, the High Court meticulously re-evaluated the evidence, emphasizing the legal position that once a publication is established as defamatory, the burden shifts to the publisher to demonstrate that the publication was in the public interest or made in good faith.

Justice Rachaiah highlighted that the respondent failed to substantiate the claims made in the defamatory articles with any credible evidence. The allegations, which lacked any backing from public complaints or higher authority actions, were deemed reckless and intended to malign the appellant’s dignity. The High Court found that the trial court had not adequately appreciated the evidence, leading to an erroneous acquittal.

Consequently, the High Court set aside the trial court's judgment, convicting Gururaj under Sections 500 and 501 of the Indian Penal Code. The court sentenced him to six months of simple imprisonment for each count, alongside a fine of Rs. 2,000 for each offense. The sentences are to run concurrently, with an additional month of imprisonment for each count in case of default in paying the fines.

This judgment underscores the judiciary's stance on protecting individuals from baseless defamation while balancing the freedom of the press with responsible journalism. It also serves as a cautionary reminder for publishers regarding the accountability attached to their publications.

Bottom Line:

Defamation - Publishing defamatory articles with intent to harm the reputation of a police officer constitutes defamation under Sections 500 and 501 of IPC - Conviction justified when defamatory statements are baseless and evidence supports harm to reputation.

Statutory provision(s): Sections 499, 500, and 501 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

S.N. Suresh Babu v. T. Gururaj, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2808378