Section 501 IPC: Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 501 IPC at a Glance

Section 501 IPC deals with printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by the Court of Session or Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 356(3) BNS.

Punishment

Simple imprisonment for up to two years.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘCompoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session or Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 356(3) →

Section 501 IPC Bare Act Text

501. Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory

Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 501, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 501 IPC in Simple Words

Section 501 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person. The punishment is simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both.

Ingredients of Section 501 IPC

  • Printing or engraving some matter
  • The matter being defamatory of a person
  • Knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of that person

Punishment Under Section 501 IPC

Imprisonment

Simple imprisonment for up to two years.

Fine

Fine in place of imprisonment, or both. The section sets no limit.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘCompoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session or Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

The First Schedule classifies the offence as non-cognizable and bailable in every case, but divides the trial court between the Court of Session and a Magistrate of the first class depending on the person defamed and the complainant.

  • Triable by: Court of Session where the matter is defamatory of the President, the Vice-President, the Governor of a State, the Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions, and the case is instituted upon a complaint made by the Public Prosecutor. Magistrate of the first class in any other case.

Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory is punishable with simple imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both. The offence is non-cognizable, bailable, and compoundable without court permission by the person defamed. The Court of Session tries the case where the matter concerns the President, the Vice-President, the Governor of a State, the Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister and the Public Prosecutor complains, and a Magistrate of the first class tries every other case.

Example of Section 501 IPC

In 2018 in Dehradun, Manish asked Bhaskar, who owned a metal workshop and typesetting unit, to engrave brass plaques and print posters alleging that a local physician named Kalyani sold counterfeit medicines. Manish told Bhaskar that the allegation was invented to ruin Kalyani's medical practice and reputation. Despite knowing that the matter was false and defamatory of Kalyani, Bhaskar engraved the plaques and printed two hundred posters for Manish. Bhaskar is punishable under Section 501 IPC.

When Section 501 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The accused did not print or engrave the material in question.
  • The accused printed or engraved the material without knowing or having good reason to believe that it was defamatory of any person.
  • The printed or engraved content did not constitute defamatory matter within the meaning of the law.

Section 501 IPC in the BNS

Section 501 IPC is now covered under Section 356(3) BNS.

Section 501 IPC corresponds to Section 356(3) BNS with identical wording and punishment. Community service, added for simple defamation under Section 356(2) BNS, is not provided for this offence.

View detailed comparison (IPC 501 vs BNS 356(3)) →

FAQs on Section 501 IPC

What does Section 501 IPC punish?▼

It punishes whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person.

What is the punishment under Section 501 IPC?▼

Simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

What knowledge is required for an offence under Section 501 IPC?▼

The prosecution must prove that the accused printed or engraved the matter knowing or having good reason to believe that it was defamatory of a person.

Is an offence under Section 501 IPC bailable and cognizable?▼

It is non-cognizable and bailable in every case.

Which court tries an offence under Section 501 IPC?▼

The Court of Session tries the case where the matter is defamatory of the President, the Vice-President, the Governor of a State, the Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his public functions, and the Public Prosecutor complains. A Magistrate of the first class tries every other case.

Can an offence under Section 501 IPC be compounded?▼

Yes. Section 320(1) CrPC allows the person defamed to compound the offence without needing the permission of the court.

Where is Section 501 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is placed in Section 356(3) BNS, with identical text and punishment.

Have questions about Section 501 IPC?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·