The Constitution of India, under Article 21, accords reputation, fame, and recognition in public life an integral position among a citizen’s fundamental rights.

The law recognizes two types of defamation:

1. Libel: A written or published defamatory statement, such as one made in a magazine, print media, newspaper, etc.
2. Slander: A verbal defamatory statement, such as one made on television, during a public gathering, etc.