Defamation - 'A Criminal Offence'

1) Which of the following statements is incorrect in context of 'law on criminal defamation'?

a) It is a constitutional law.
b) It is constitutionally valid.
c) It is not one of the reasonable restrictions to fundamental right of free speech.
d) Both a and c

2) Which of the following rights is/are implicit under Article 21 of the Constitution of India?

a) Right to life.
b) Right to reputation.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

3) Which of the following rights has/have an absolute value under the Constitution of India?

a) Freedom of speech and expression.
b) Free press.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers :

1) d
2) c
3) d

Note : Section 499 and 500 of Macaulay's Indian Penal Code of 1860 prescribe two year's imprisonment for a person found guilty of defamation. Its constitutional validity has been recently upheld by the Supreme Court. This provision is generally used as a means of "punishing disrespect towards authority"