In an increasingly heated world where tempers flare in the blink of an eye, think twice before letting harsh words fly, as they may cost you more than just a moment of regret.
A recent court case underscores the serious legal consequences that can follow verbal abuse.
The case of Sathish Kumar Ayaswamy and Peeran Syed Mohammed Syed Mahboob illustrates how a heated exchange can quickly escalate into a defamation lawsuit, reminding us that words spoken in anger or frustration can have lasting legal ramifications.
The incident began during a meeting between the Kumar and Syed where tensions quickly escalated.
Syed resorted to using abusive language, making disparaging remarks about Kumar
The remarks, which were reportedly overheard by a group of individuals, sparked a defamation lawsuit when Kumar argued that the words were harmful to their reputations.
Initially, the High Court ruled in favor of the Syed, striking out the defamation claim.
The Court concluded that the words spoken were mere verbal abuse and not defamatory.
Additionally, the High Court found that there was insufficient evidence to establish that the words had been published to third parties, as the individuals who allegedly heard the remarks were not named.
The case seemed to suggest that not all verbal abuse could lead to a defamation suit.
However, the Court of Appeal took a different view when the case was brought before it.
In its ruling, the Court found that the Appellants had adequately presented the key elements needed to prove slander.
According to the Court, the Appellants had shown that the words spoken were indeed defamatory, that the remarks referred to the Appellants, and that the statements had been communicated to others.
The Court emphasized that it wasn’t necessary to name every individual who had overheard the abusive language.
It was enough to establish that the individuals who heard the remarks were employees of the same company as the Appellants.
This ruling marks an important reminder that even in cases of verbal altercations, defamatory statements can be actionable.
While slander typically requires proof of special damage, the Court pointed out an important exception.
When the remarks are directed at someone’s professional or business reputation, there’s no need to prove damage.
Under Section 5 of the Defamation Act 1957, slanderous words related to a person’s profession or trade are considered actionable on their own merit.
The case highlights the potential legal pitfalls of engaging in verbal abuse, especially in professional or public settings.
The Sathish Kumar Ayaswamy v Peeran Syed Mohammed Syed Mahboob case serves as a cautionary tale: words spoken in anger or frustration may seem like a fleeting moment, but they can carry serious legal consequences.
The next time you find yourself in a heated exchange, remember that a moment of rashness could lead to far more than just a bruised ego—it could cost you in court.
