Spreading falsehoods about an individual through song lyrics, TV broadcasts, artwork, or even social media posts will be considered defamation: President Muizzu
9 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:42The government has introduced a bill to classify the defamation of individuals through the spread of misinformation on social media and mainstream media as a civil offense, allowing courts to award damages ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 500,000 against those found liable.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at Monday's press conference. | raajje tv
The government has submitted a bill to the People’s Majlis seeking to define the circumstances under which defamation lawsuits can be filed and to allow for compensation of up to half a million Rufiyaa.
According to the bill introduced by Vilimale’ MP Mohamed Ismail on behalf of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), the proposed legislation will apply to traditional media outlets, social media platforms, online service providers, and broadcasters once it is enacted into law.
Providing details regarding the bill during a press conference on Monday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that spreading falsehoods about an individual through song lyrics, television news broadcasts, or social media posts will be legally classified as defamation.
Defamation Under this bill, which classifies defamation as a civil offense, the term is defined as the act of disseminating false information through speech, writing, illustrations, or via platforms such as the internet and television. Such actions are considered defamatory if they result in the loss of respect for the individual concerned or incite public hatred against them.
The bill stipulates that defamation lawsuits must be filed within one year of the incident. It further mandates that a verdict must be reached within a maximum of six months from the date the case is submitted to court.
According to the bill, any statement or information is deemed to refer to the aggrieved party if their name or photograph is used. The bill further stipulates that even in instances where the name or photograph is not explicitly used, a statement will still be considered as referring to the party if the context of the information provided reasonably identifies them.
The bill also stipulates that if a plaintiff seeks damages for defamation and the claim is proven, the court must grant compensation from the offending party.
The bill stipulates that individuals filing defamation lawsuits may be awarded between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000 in material damages.
