Which one of the following is defamatory?
Verified Answer
A. Publishing a report of parliament for which the editor tendered an apology
B. Publishing a report of parliamentary proceedings showing the misconduct of a member present there
C. Publishing a report of judicial proceeding showing statement made by a witness
D. Publishing a false report in newspaper that a minister was involved in a kidnapping case
Explanation:
Defamation involves publishing a false statement that harms someone's reputation. Publishing a false report alleging a minister's involvement in a kidnapping case would be defamatory as it is a false statement causing damage to reputation. Options A, B, and C generally fall under qualified privilege, meaning they are protected if they are fair and accurate reports of public proceedings and made without malice.