HARBHAJAN SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the appellant, a public worker, was entitled to the protection under Exception Nine to Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as he published a statement in good faith for public good regarding the alleged involvement of a Minister's son in smuggling. The Court found that the High Court erred in its assessment of the onus of proof, clarifying that the appellant needed to establish his claim by a preponderance of probabilities rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the conviction was set aside, and the appeal was allowed.