Truth is not a defence in cases involving:
(A) Criminal libel
(B) Civil libel
(C) Slander
(D) Official secrets
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
In cases involving official secrets, truth is not a valid defense. In most libel cases, whether criminal or civil, the truth of a statement can be used to defend against claims of defamation. However, this does not apply when the information relates to official secrets.
If someone discloses classified government information, even if the facts are true, they may still face legal consequences. This happens because the law prioritizes protecting sensitive government information over the individual’s right to speak the truth.
For example, leaking confidential documents or revealing national security details can lead to prosecution, even if the content is accurate. Thus, the law treats the unauthorized disclosure of official secrets differently than regular defamation cases. Truth cannot shield individuals from legal action in these situations, as the public’s right to know is weighed against the need to safeguard state secrets.
