Hindustan Times | Explained: Supreme Court verdict on defamation law, its implications Hindustan Times The court said defamation doesn't have any ?chilling effect on freedom of speech?. (HT file photo). The Supreme Court upheld on Friday the constitutional validity of criminal defamation law, saying the right to free speech was not an absolute right ... Criminal defamation does not have chilling effect on free speech: apex court Supreme Court upholds defamation law, rejects plea by Rahul, Kejriwal, Swamy Criminal defammation laws valid: SC |