IPC 502 vs BNS 502
● Retained in BNSSale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter
Section 502 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the sale or circulation of printed or engraved material known to be defamatory. This provision complements IPC 499, 500, and 501 by addressing the commercial or distributive aspect of defamation.
Key points:
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Applies to individuals who sell, offer for sale, or distribute defamatory material intentionally.
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Protects individual reputation and ensures responsible conduct in publishing and distribution.
For example, a person selling magazines, books, or pamphlets containing knowingly false or defamatory content about someone can be prosecuted under IPC 502. The law ensures that distribution channels are accountable, preventing the spread of harmful content that could damage reputations.
Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter
Section 502 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 502. It criminalizes the sale, distribution, or circulation of printed or engraved material known to be defamatory, maintaining the same intent, scope, and punishment.
Key aspects of BNS 502:
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Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both, identical to IPC 502.
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Covers acts of selling, offering for sale, or distributing defamatory content.
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Ensures accountability in publishing and commercial circulation of harmful material, protecting personal reputation.
BNS 502 continues the principles of IPC 502, providing legal protection against the dissemination of defamatory printed or engraved content.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 502 to BNS BNS 502.