The World - News from Aug. 31, 1988

The Indian Parliament enacted legislation that could result in prison sentences of up to five years for publication of defamatory articles. Opposition leaders said the bill was motivated by a government that wants to protect itself from coverage of scandals that have surfaced since 1987. The Defamation Bill 1988--piloted by the government--was passed amid strong resistance from opposition political parties, which objected to the clause: “Where any matter which is grossly indecent or scurrilous or is intended for blackmail, is published in any newspaper, periodical or circular, the author . . . shall be punishable with imprisonment . . . which may extend to five years.”