Defamation is defined under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code and provides that whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter expected, to defame that person. I want to know if a suit can be filled against defamatory statements made in an affidavit filed before the competent Court?
Definitely, you can file a suit for defamatory sentence in an affidavit. As section 499 of the Indian Penal Code states that whosoever, intend to harm your reputation either by words spoken or written and is published or produced before any public, which has the sufficient cause to harm a person's reputation, it is considered as defamation and is punishable under the competent court of law.
Affidavit acts as a proof and evidence that is sworn infront of the court or competent authority and a defamatory sentence in the affidavit, which can cause harm to a person's reputation is considered as defamation under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code and thus making the person eligible to file a suite for defamation under the aforesaid section for defamatory sentence in an affidavit.
