DefamationPossibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
§ 356(2) — defamationPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years simple imprisonment, or fine, or both, or community service
- Fine
- Fine (amount not stated in section)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
§ 356(3) — printing or engraving defamatory matter, knowing / having reason to believe it is defamatoryPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years simple imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine (amount not stated in section)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
§ 356(4) — selling / offering for sale printed or engraved defamatory matterPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years simple imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine (amount not stated in section)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
Figure reported from secondary summaries; re-check against BNS text.
Community service is an express alternative punishment under § 356(2).