Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India

The Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutionality of criminal defamation under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 199(1) to 199(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Court held that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is subject to reasonable restrictions, including those protecting reputation under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court found that criminal defamation laws are neither vague nor disproportionate and that these laws provide a balanced approach between safeguarding individual dignity and allowing free speech. The Court emphasized that the provisions serve the public interest and do not unduly restrict freedom of expression.