Renowned music composer AR Rahman has recently issued a warning to online platforms regarding defamation suits related to harmful content about his divorce. Legal experts have noted that celebrities in India are increasingly turning to defamation claims to protect their image, a trend that has been amplified with the rise of social media where unverified content can spread rapidly.
Celebrities like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, and Shilpa Shetty have taken on traditional and social media outlets in the past. In India, defamation occurs when harmful imputations are made with the intent of damaging someone’s reputation, particularly in cases involving sensitive topics like divorces.
Celebrities have certain rights to control their public image and protect themselves from unwanted intrusions, such as invasion of privacy or unauthorised use of their likeness for commercial purposes. With the increasing risk of defamation from online trolls, the legal institution of defamation claims remains a useful tool to address such issues.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 recognises defamation as both a tort and a criminal offence, with penalties that may include a prison term or community service. This legislation plays a role in addressing concerns related to defamatory content, especially in the online space.
Social media platforms have made it easier for defamatory content to spread rapidly, causing severe reputational damage to celebrities within minutes. While the IT Act, 2000, and its guidelines require social media platforms to monitor and filter content, the sheer volume of users makes implementation challenging. Celebrities and legal experts continue to grapple with the impact of defamation in the digital age.
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