False review or online defamation

What you need to know

Publishing false statements about a person or business online that harm reputation is defamation under IPC Section 499. File criminal defamation complaint and civil suit for damages.

Your rights

File criminal defamation complaint

Civil suit for damages

Demand removal of false content from platform

Injunction against further publication

What you should do now

Action first

Report on platform and respond publicly with facts

Use platform's report or dispute review process
For Google reviews — flag as fake and respond publicly with accurate information
Public factual response often neutralizes the damage

If reputational damage is significant

Send legal notice to the person if identifiable demanding removal
File civil defamation suit or criminal defamation complaint under IPC Section 500

Acts applicable

Indian Penal Code

central

Section 499 — Defamation, Section 500 — Punishment for defamation

IT Act 2000

central

Intermediary liability for false content takedown

Where to complain

eCourts — Find District Court Cybercrime Portal — 1930 Helpline

Consumer complaint portal: e-jagriti.gov.in (replaced edaakhil.nic.in as of Jan 2025). Labour complaints: col.gujarat.gov.in. All links verified June 2026 via web search against official government sources.