Introduction
Online reviews directly influence customer decisions and business revenue. Fake negative reviews on platforms like Google, Justdial, Amazon, Zomato, Practo, and Facebook can severely damage a brand’s reputation.
The key question for businesses is: Can you sue someone in India for fake online reviews?
Yes. Indian law provides civil and criminal remedies against fake, defamatory, and malicious online reviews.
What Are Fake Online Reviews?
Fake online reviews include:
Reviews posted by non-customers
Competitor-driven negative reviews
Paid or coordinated review attacks
Reviews containing false facts or abuse
Reviews posted for blackmail or extortion
Such acts amount to online defamation, cyber crime, and unfair trade practices.
Are Fake Online Reviews Illegal in India?
Yes. Fake online reviews are illegal when they:
Harm reputation
Spread false information
Cause financial loss
Are posted with malicious intent
Indian courts recognize online reputation as a valuable business asset.
Laws Applicable to Fake Online Reviews in India
1. Criminal Defamation – IPC
Section 499 IPC: Defamation by publishing false statements
Section 500 IPC: Punishment up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both
Fake Google reviews and social media posts fall under these provisions.
2. Information Technology Act, 2000
Section 66D: Cheating by personation using computer resources
Section 67 / 67A: Obscene or abusive online content (if applicable)
3. Civil Defamation (Damages & Injunction)
Businesses can file a civil suit to:
Claim monetary compensation
Obtain injunction for removal of fake reviews
Stop further publication
4. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Fake reviews amount to unfair trade practices and misleading consumers.
5. Trademark & Commercial Disparagement
If fake reviews target a brand name or trademark, action can be taken for commercial disparagement.
Can You Sue for Fake Google Reviews in India?
✅ Yes.
Courts allow legal action against:
Fake Google reviews
Fake Justdial listings
Fake Amazon/Flipkart reviews
Fake Zomato/Swiggy ratings
Legal Remedies Available to Businesses
1. Legal Notice
A strong legal notice to the reviewer or platform often results in quick removal.
2. Criminal Complaint / FIR
File FIR for:
Defamation
Cyber crime
Cheating
Especially effective for abusive or threatening reviews.
3. Civil Suit for Damages
Ideal for serious reputation and revenue loss.
4. Court Injunction
Courts can order:
Immediate takedown
Blocking of URLs
Restraint on further posting
5. Platform Takedown Requests
With legal backing, platforms can be compelled to remove content and disclose user details (via court order).
Court Process to Sue for Fake Online Reviews
Step 1: Collect evidence (screenshots, URLs, timestamps)
Step 2: Send legal notice
Step 3: File FIR / civil suit
Step 4: Court hearing
Step 5: Order for removal, compensation, or prosecution
Documents Required
Business registration proof
Trademark certificate (if any)
Screenshots of fake reviews
Proof of loss (if available)
Legal notice copy
Can Anonymous Reviewers Be Traced?
Yes. Through:
Cyber cell investigation
IP tracking
Court-directed disclosure from platforms
Why Businesses Must Act Quickly
Ignoring fake reviews can lead to:
Loss of customers
SEO ranking drop
Long-term brand damage
Encouragement of more attacks
Why Hire a Lawyer for Fake Review Cases?
A lawyer helps with:
Drafting legal notices
Filing defamation cases
Securing injunctions
Coordinating with cyber police
Protecting brand reputation
Conclusion
Fake online reviews are not just unethical—they are illegal. Indian law offers strong remedies to remove fake reviews, punish offenders, and compensate businesses. Prompt legal action is the best way to protect your brand reputation.