In Sukra Neethi (followed by Rakshasas Mahabali, Prahlada) it is stated that there are certain circumstances under which lying has a licence (e.g., where women are concerned, where marriages have have to be fixed, when there is a threat for life that needs to be saved, loss of money or modesty of women). Sukracharya defended lying to protect Mahabali's life right before MahaVishnu as Vamanavathar. (But Bali emperor declined saying life after lying and denying Vishnu's direct request is worthless ... but that is besides the point).
The only glaring case I know is by Dharmaraja when he (half) lied to create a false impression that Ashwathhama already died in Kurukshetra battle, motive to deactivate/kill Drona.
Maintaining honesty for small things and resorting to lying conveniently when stakes are high to save the situation as in above serious threat situations sounds contradictory as regards commitment to absolute integrity... If it has sanction of Dharma then the entire group behavior may be looked down upon.
In the hoary scriptures untruth has been equated with violence and this has been brought forth as a political force in recent times by Gandhiji.
In WW II time Goebbelian propaganda and modern times disinformation using the media is resorted to for political purposes.
So is there a common guidance in our scriptures where provision is made in extra-ordinary situations when it is okay to utter or propagate untruths?