‘A’ sues ‘B’ for a libel imputing disgraceful conduct to ‘A’. ‘B’ affi

‘A’ sues ‘B’ for a libel imputing disgraceful conduct to ‘A’. ‘B’ affirms that the matter alleged to be libelous is true. Which one of the following is not a relevant fact ?

Position of parties at the time when the libel was published
The relations of the parties at the time when the libel was published
Particulars of some dispute between A and B about a matter unconnected with the libel
Facts of some dispute between A and B which affected relations between them
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2020
In a libel suit where the defense is that the matter alleged to be libelous is true, facts showing the position and relations of the parties at the time the libel was published, and facts of any dispute between them that affected their relations are generally relevant to establish context, motive, or the state of feelings, which might be relevant to the publication or its impact. However, particulars of a dispute between A and B about a matter *unconnected* with the libel are typically not relevant facts in determining the truth of the alleged libel or assessing damages, unless that unconnected dispute somehow provides a motive for the libel itself (which is not suggested here).
– Relevancy of facts in a court case is governed by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
– Facts forming part of the same transaction, facts showing motive, preparation, conduct, or relationship of parties are often relevant under Sections 6-16 of the Act.
– In a defamation case, facts related to the relationship, background, and circumstances surrounding the publication of the statement are relevant to understand the context and evaluate the claim and defense.
– A dispute on an entirely unrelated matter, without a link to the alleged libel, is generally considered irrelevant as it does not help prove or disprove the truth of the libel or the circumstances of its publication.
– The defense of truth (justification) in a defamation case requires the defendant to prove that the statement published was substantially true.
– Facts that provide context for the relationship between the parties (options A, B, D) can be relevant for various aspects of the case, including potential motive, the impact of the statement, or assessing damages, depending on the specifics.