Mayaa SH speaks on Defamation of Character: The Road to Emotional Suppression and Distress

Women Empowerment Culturist, Essayist, Thinker, Social and Legal Activist on advisories on Family Law in India, Evolutionary Developmental Feminist, Social Activist and Campaigner for Women's Rights, Multiple State, National Award Winner and Internationally acclaimed Multiple World Record Holder, Renowned name in Contemporary Literature, Suicide Prevention Expert, World Recognised Authoress Mayaa SH speaks on Emotional Distress Induced by Defamatory Content.

What is Defamation?

Defamation is the act of sharing false information that harms the reputation of a person, business, or organization. It can lead to legal proceedings and can cause distress and income loss. Character assassination involves deliberate or undeliberate attempts to tarnish an individual's reputation and credibility. It's a deeply personal attack, affecting not just one's professional life but also their self-esteem and mental well-being. "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."

There are two types of defamation:

Libel: A defamatory statement that is written down or recorded, such as in a letter, email, social media post, or text message.

Slander: A defamatory spoken statement, such as in a speech or conversation.

Defamation can be misused by people and powerful individuals to stifle free speech. However, defamation can also provide recourse to seek justice for the non-consensual sharing of images (NCII) or other personal attacks. Defamation is a false statement presented as a fact that causes injury or damage to the character of the person it is about. An example is “Mr Vikas stole money from his employer.” If this is untrue and if making the statement damages Vikas's reputation or ability to work, it is defamation.

Where does defamation happen?

Anywhere. There are hot spots, like communities, associations, schools, parks, gatherings, online, and small business. Corporate houses/ departments - slanderers usually resort to "damning by faint praise."

Forms of Character Assassination can include:

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