Defamation case procedure, fee, time limit

Dear sir, Thankyou for putting forth this query. I hope my answer is sufficient for your query.
Yes, you can file for Defamation for false accusation of rape. We ca;t guarantee the time it will take due to the heavy pendency of cases in courts. Also, the fee depends from lawyer to lawyer but the court fees is state subject and varies from state to state. Also, court would not refund your court fees if you lose the case . You can file private complaint of criminal defamation before magistrate under section499-  500 of IPC. The Limitation period is 3 years.

Let's start with the very basic explanation of defamation.

Defamation occurs when someone makes a false, unprivileged statement about someone to a third party, which attacks the person's professional character or standing, claims that an unmarried person is unchaste, claims the person has a s*xually transmitted disease, or that the person has committed a crime of moral turpitude. 

There are the two main types of defamation cases: libel and slander. Both involve harmful, false statements that cause damage someone’s reputation, but libel requires that the statement be in writing or somehow “published.” With slander, all that is required is that the defamatory statement be spoken to a third party (someone other than you).

In many cases, damages (the harm you suffered) are handled differently depending on whether the statement at issue is considered libel or slander.

But in your case, it may not matter much, because under defamation laws in most states, falsely accusing someone of having committed a crime is considered “defamatory per se” or “actionable per se.” That means harm is taken as a given in the eyes of the law, and harm to your reputation is presumed.

Things to keep in mind for filing a suit for Defamation:-

The plaintiff (the party filing the lawsuit) must establish several facts to the court about the defaming statements in question. Generally, for statements to constitute defamation, they must be:

• You cannot argue defamation against true statements, no matter how injurious to your reputation they may be.
• An audience must have been able to see or hear the defaming comments. You cannot argue defamation against statements made in private or made without a wide audience.
• The law considers statements made in court proceedings or legislative chambers privileged, meaning the statements are only intended to reach the people to whom they are made. For example, a witness in a lawsuit who testifies something false may not be sued for defamation. However, knowingly lying under oath may lead to a perjury charge.
• You must be able to prove in court that the defaming statements caused you some kind of damage.

Don;t you worry, The court will enable him to pay heavy damages for such false accusation.
Goodluck with your case! Best wishes!