Can one be Sued for a Meme?

Yes. In India, online posts including memes can lead to defamation claims.

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 356, publication that harms another’s reputation is a criminal offence and attracts a fine or imprisonment. Courts also allow civil suits for reputational harm.

Mocking someone with a meme that falsely portrays them and damages their reputation can trigger legal action.

Defamation law still balances free speech and harm, and offensive or misleading memes can cross the line into actionable conduct.