Fake News, Deepfakes and Defamation: How to Complain in India

Disclaimer: This is legal information, not legal advice, and it has not yet been reviewed by an advocate. For your specific situation, consult an advocate.

Quick answer

If a TV channel, website or social media post spreads false claims about you, or shares a doctored photo or video, you can: report it to the platform's grievance officer, complain to the broadcaster and then NBDSA (TV) or the Press Council (print), report it on the cyber crime portal, and file a civil or criminal defamation case. Save evidence first, because posts get deleted.

Opinion vs false facts

The law protects opinion and criticism, including harsh criticism of you or your protest.

• What you can act on: false statements of fact that harm your reputation, doctored or AI-generated images and videos, hate speech, and content that incites violence.

• Truth, fair comment on a matter of public interest, and good-faith reporting are common defences in defamation cases.

Step 1: Save evidence immediately

1. Take screenshots showing the post, account name, date and time.
2. Copy the exact link (URL) of each post or video.
3. Save an archived copy (for example on archive.today or the Wayback Machine).
4. Keep your original, unedited photos or videos to prove what really happened.
5. Note who shared it and how widely.

Courts need a certificate for electronic evidence (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam Section 63, formerly Evidence Act Section 65B). Your advocate can prepare it.

Step 2: Report to the platform

Use the platform's report option and its grievance officer (required under the IT Rules, 2021). Platforms must acknowledge complaints quickly and resolve them within set time limits. Content showing a person in a sexual or intimate way without consent, including morphed images, must be removed within 24 hours of a complaint. If you are not satisfied, appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee (gac.gov.in).

Step 3: TV, print and digital news

TV news: complain to the channel first. If not resolved, complain to the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA). You can also complain to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under the Cable TV Programme Code. Print newspapers: complain to the Press Council of India. Digital news publishers: use the publisher's grievance mechanism under the IT Rules, 2021.

These bodies have short deadlines, so complain as soon as possible.

Step 4: Cyber crime and police complaint

Report on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930. Spreading false information or rumours that can cause public fear or disorder is an offence (BNS Section 353). Promoting enmity between groups is an offence (BNS Section 196). Publishing private images without consent and identity misuse are offences under the IT Act, 2000 (for example Sections 66C, 66E and 67).

Step 5: Defamation case

Criminal defamation (BNS Section 356, formerly IPC 499–500): filed as a complaint before a magistrate. Punishment can include imprisonment up to 2 years, fine, or community service. Civil defamation suit: ask the court for damages and an injunction ordering the content to be taken down. Courts can order urgent takedowns in clear cases of fake or morphed content. An advocate usually sends a legal notice first, asking for removal and an apology.

Be careful yourself

Don't respond by posting false claims about others. The same defamation and IT laws apply to everyone.

FAQ

Can I complain if a news channel called me a terrorist or anti-national?

Yes. Complain to the channel, then to NBDSA. If the claim is false and harms your reputation, you can also consider a defamation case.

How do I report a deepfake or morphed video of me?

Save the link and screenshots, report it to the platform's grievance officer, and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Intimate morphed content must be removed within 24 hours of a complaint.

What is IPC 499 called now?

Defamation under old IPC Sections 499 and 500 is now BNS Section 356, in force since 1 July 2024.

Is criticising a protest defamation?

No. Opinion and fair criticism are protected. Defamation requires a false statement of fact that harms reputation.

What if the platform ignores my complaint?

Appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee at gac.gov.in, or ask an advocate about a court order for takedown.

Disclaimer: This is legal information, not legal advice, and it has not yet been reviewed by an advocate. For your specific situation, consult an advocate.