Fake Online Reviews: Can You Sue Someone in India? Legal Guide for Businesses
Introduction
In today’s digital era, online reviews directly impact business reputation, customer trust, and revenue. Fake negative reviews on platforms like Google, Justdial, Practo, Amazon, Zomato, or Facebook can seriously damage a business overnight.
The big question is:
👉 Can you sue someone in India for fake online reviews?
Yes. Indian law provides strong legal remedies against fake, defamatory, and malicious online reviews. This legal guide explains laws, remedies, court process, criminal & civil actions, and what businesses can do legally.
What Are Fake Online Reviews?
Fake online reviews include:
False negative reviews posted intentionally
Reviews by competitors
Reviews by people who never used the service
Paid negative reviews
Reviews posted to blackmail or extort money
Reviews containing abusive or defamatory language
Such reviews fall under online defamation and cyber crime under Indian law.
Are Fake Online Reviews Illegal in India?
Yes. Fake online reviews are illegal when they:
Harm reputation
Spread false facts
Cause financial loss
Mislead consumers
Are published with malicious intent
Indian courts treat fake reviews as defamation, cyber crime, and unfair trade practice.
Laws Applicable to Fake Online Reviews in India
1. Defamation Under Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Section 499 IPC – Criminal Defamation
If a fake review harms your business reputation, it amounts to defamation.
Section 500 IPC – Punishment
Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 2 years
Fine
Or both
Fake Google reviews and fake social media reviews can be prosecuted under IPC.
2. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
Section 66D – Online Cheating & Impersonation
Applicable if fake reviews are posted using fake identities.
Section 67 – Offensive Content (if abusive)
Used when reviews contain obscene or abusive language.
3. Civil Defamation (Damages & Compensation)
Businesses can file a civil suit for damages for:
Loss of reputation
Loss of customers
Loss of revenue
Brand dilution
Courts can award monetary compensation and issue injunctions.
4. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Fake reviews fall under unfair trade practices.
Platforms and competitors promoting fake reviews may be held accountable.
5. Trademark & Commercial Disparagement Laws
If fake reviews target a brand name or trademark, legal action can be taken for commercial disparagement.
Can You Sue Someone for Fake Google Reviews in India?
✅ Yes.
Businesses can sue for:
Fake Google reviews
Fake Justdial ratings
Fake Amazon / Flipkart reviews
Fake Zomato / Swiggy reviews
Fake Practo / healthcare reviews
Courts recognize that online reputation is a valuable business asset.
Legal Remedies Against Fake Online Reviews
1. Criminal Complaint / FIR
You can file an FIR for:
Defamation
Cheating
Cyber crime
Especially effective when the review is abusive or threatening.
2. Civil Suit for Damages
Businesses can claim:
Compensation
Permanent injunction
Removal of fake reviews
This is ideal for serious reputation damage.
3. Legal Notice to the Reviewer
A strong legal notice often leads to:
Immediate deletion
Apology
Settlement
4. Legal Notice to Platform (Google, Meta, etc.)
Platforms can be directed to:
Take down defamatory content
Share user details (via court order)
5. Injunction Order from Court
Courts can pass interim injunctions ordering immediate removal of fake reviews.
Court Process to Sue for Fake Online Reviews
Step 1: Collect Evidence
Screenshots of reviews
URLs
Date & time
Profile details
Impact on business
Step 2: Legal Opinion & Notice
A lawyer evaluates the case and sends legal notice.
Step 3: Filing Case
Criminal complaint (Police / Cyber Cell)
Civil suit (District / High Court depending on damages)
Step 4: Court Hearing
Court examines:
Intent
Truthfulness
Business impact
Malice
Step 5: Court Order
Court may order:
Removal of reviews
Compensation
Injunction
Criminal prosecution
Documents Required
Business registration proof
Trademark certificate (if any)
Screenshots of fake reviews
Revenue loss proof (if available)
Customer complaints
Legal notice copy
Can Anonymous Reviewers Be Traced?
Yes. Through:
Court orders
Cyber cell investigation
IP address tracking
Platforms can be legally compelled to disclose details.
Why Businesses Should Take Fake Reviews Seriously
Fake online reviews can cause:
Loss of customers
Brand damage
SEO ranking drop
Revenue loss
Long-term trust issues
Ignoring fake reviews encourages more attacks.
Why Hire a Lawyer for Fake Online Reviews?
A lawyer helps in:
Drafting legal notices
Filing defamation cases
Obtaining injunctions
Coordinating with cyber police
Forcing platforms to act