In a legal matter involving Amar Ujala Publication Ltd., its editors, and the publisher, the Allahabad High Court ruled that they acted within the exceptions outlined in Sections 499 (1) & (3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) concerning defamation. The court emphasized that accurate and genuine reporting, even if impacting an individual's reputation, does not necessarily constitute defamation.

The case revolved around a news item alleging corruption among judicial officers and lawyers in Lucknow in the grant of bail and judge assignments.

Justice Rajeev Singh, presiding over the case, stated, "The court is of the view that the action of the applicants is squarely covered in the Exception (1) & (3) of Section 499 I.P.C. Section 499 along with Exception (1) & (3)."

Amar Ujala Publication Ltd. and its staff argued that they published the news in good faith, relying on authentic information and without malicious intent. The respondent, a former District & Sessions Judge, contended that the news damaged his reputation and accused the defendants of withholding essential communication and an Intelligence Bureau report.

The defendants asserted that their actions fell under the exceptions to Section 499 I.P.C., citing public interest and the absence of malicious intent. The court, referring to precedent, emphasized that accurate and truthful reporting published in good faith does not necessarily harm an individual's reputation. Consequently, the court concluded that the accused's actions were protected under the exceptions of Section 499 I.P.C.

The court quashed the proceedings, stating that the complaint amounted to an abuse of legal provisions, and no offense was substantiated. It declared, "This Court is of the view that the complaint in question is nothing but a sheer abuse of the legal provisions, and no offense, as alleged, can be said to be made out."

As a result, the proceedings related to the complaint were quashed, and the applications by the accused were granted.

Case: Amar Ujala v. State of U.P. & Anr,

APPLICATION U/S 482 No. - 976 of 2018.