Bar Council of India Removes 107 Fake Advocates from Delhi Roll to Uphold Legal Integrity

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Bar Council of India Removes 107 Fake Advocates from  Delhi Roll to Uphold Legal Integrity The Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken decisive action in a sweeping initiative aimed at maintaining the integrity of the legal profession by removing 107 fake advocates  from the Roll of Advocates in Delhi  between 2019 and October 2024. This step comes as part of the BCI's rigorous verification process to ensure that only qualified, genuinely practising advocates remain in the profession, ultimately upholding public trust in the legal system. Strengthened Verification Framework Under Rule 32 This effort falls under Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015 . The BCI  amended Rule 32 on June 23, 2023 , which empowered the BCI to verify, identify, and systematically remove unqualified and fake advocates from the Roll. The rule amendment has made the process of weeding out non-compliant individuals significantly more efficient. Accordi

Defamation: Understanding, Incidents, Legal Framework, and Recent Cases in India

Defamation: Understanding, Incidents, Legal Framework, and Recent Cases in India


Defamation, a legal concept deeply ingrained in the fabric of societies worldwide, serves to protect individuals' reputations from false and damaging statements. With roots in ancient legal systems, defamation laws have evolved over centuries to address the complexities of modern communication platforms. In this article, we delve into the definition, history, types, exceptions, punishment, and legal reforms pertaining to defamation in India, examining relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and comparing them with the proposed Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita Bill 2023.


Definition of Defamation:

Section 499 of the IPC defines defamation as the act of making false imputations concerning any person, intending to harm or knowing that such imputations will harm the reputation of that person. Both written (libel) and spoken (slander) statements fall under the purview of defamation.


Brief History of Defamation:

Defamation laws trace their origins to ancient legal systems, where reputation was considered a valuable asset deserving protection. Over time, legal frameworks evolved to address defamation, reflecting changing societal norms and values.


Incidents of Defamation:

Incidents of defamation are prevalent in modern society, occurring in various forms such as traditional media, social media platforms, and interpersonal communications. These incidents often involve individuals, public figures, and organizations.


Types of Defamation:

1. Libel (Section 499 IPC): Defamation through written or published statements.

2. Slander (Section 499 IPC): Defamation through spoken words or gestures.

3. Per Se Defamation: Statements inherently defamatory without the need for additional proof of harm.

4. Per Quod Defamation: Statements requiring additional context or proof of harm to be considered defamatory.


Exception to Defamation:

Certain statements may be exempt from defamation if they fall under privileged communications, such as statements made in court proceedings, legislative debates, or in the public interest. Truth is also a defense against defamation allegations.


Punishment of Defamation:

Under Section 500 of the IPC, defamation is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both. The severity of the punishment depends on the gravity of the defamation and its impact on the reputation of the affected individual.


Comparison with Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita Bill 2023:

The proposed Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita Bill 2023 aims to reform and modernize India's criminal justice system, including defamation laws. While specific provisions of the bill are yet to be finalized, it is expected to introduce changes in the definition of defamation, punishment, and procedural aspects to align with contemporary legal standards.


Landmark Judgments:

1. R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1994): The Supreme Court recognized the right to reputation as part of the right to privacy, emphasizing the need for sufficient cause to violate a person's reputation.

2. Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016): The Supreme Court reiterated the importance of free speech and public interest in defamation cases, emphasizing the need to balance reputation protection with the right to information.


Recent Case:

In the defamation case filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra against Rahul Gandhi, the courts will examine whether Gandhi's comments constituted defamation under Section 499 of the IPC. The outcome will depend on factors such as the truthfulness of the statements and their impact on the reputation of Amit Shah.


 Conclusion:

In conclusion, defamation laws serve as a vital tool for protecting reputational integrity and ensuring accountability for false statements. As legal reforms progress, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting reputation and fostering freedom of expression, adapting to evolving societal norms and technological advancements while upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

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