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23/12/2024, 19:03 The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 [1] This Act was passed by Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on 20 May 2024; assented to by the Acting Governor of the Punjab on 07 June 2024; and was published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 07 June 2024, Pages: 4681-90. punjablaws.gov.pk/laws/2884.html 13/13

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The Punjab Defamation Act, 2024

Law

Status of Law: Final/Active/Current

Country

Pakistan

Country Location

Latitude: 30.50420402694667

Longitude: 71.31445294618544

Country Location (linked Law): Pakistan

Keywords

Defamation
Defamation / Reputation
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Press
Media/Press
Social Media

Adoption Date: May 13, 2024

Type of Law: Legislation

Research Category: II Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Institution that Established this Law: Provincial assembly of Punjab

Institution Established by this Law: Tribunal for adjudicating defamation claims

Is this the Official Copy?: Yes

Source URL: Provincial assembly of Punjab

Notes: The Punjab Defamation Bill 2024, recently passed by the Punjab government, poses significant concerns regarding its potential impact on digital rights and freedom of expression. The bill adopts a broad and vague definition of defamation, providing the government with expansive authority to penalize individuals for online speech, including the power to suspend or restrict social media accounts. It also establishes specialized tribunals to adjudicate defamation claims, which could undermine the right to due process and fair trial. The imposition of punitive damages for alleged defamation, combined with the potential for governmental overreach, risks fostering a climate of censorship that could suppress journalistic freedoms and stifle open discourse in online spaces.

Collection

Complete Name: The Punjab Defamation Act, 2024

Primary Documents

The Punjab Defamation Act 2024.pdf
English
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CYRILLA: Global Digital Rights Law

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The Punjab Defamation Act, 2024

Primary Documents

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