Internet is Something that is both a benefit and an affliction. From reducing distances and making the world we live in a global village with blurred boundaries internet is an integral and essential part of our life. But, the cyber space like the real world also carries elements of crime, such can be Phishing Scams, Spoofing, Steeling identities, Trafficking, Ransomware, Malware, Hacking and the most popular one now a day is Revenge Pornography where young boys and girls get trapped and end up being victims of intimidation.

The alleged sex scandal involving former Minister of Karnataka turned out be a case of “honey trap”, the videos and images went viral on the Internet and after the court orders such information was pulled off.

Most concerning of the crimes on the Cyber Space is what is coined as “Revenge Pornography” which is the name given to the practice of circulating pictures of an individual in a state of being undressed and/or participating in sexual acts. Such non-consensual dissemination of intimate images has emerged as a modern tool for extortion by the cyber criminals., at times the folks who once were in love or trapped in loave and seen as intimate partners after break up release such intimate pictures of their partners to draw vengeance and settle scores. The Victim faces shame and at times also attempts suicide.

The Hon’ble High Court of the State of Orissa in the case of Subhranshu Rout vs. State equated “information” on the internet to that of a “toothpaste”. Once such information enters the internet, it can never go away just like toothpaste out of the tube cannot be put back.

In the Year 2018, the first ever judgement was pronounced relating to revenge porn in the case of State of West Bengal vs. Animesh Boxi. The petitioner and the accused were in a relationship and the petitioner had exchanged some of her private nude photos. The demands from the accused grew and also the petitioner was blackmailed and threatened that her private photographs will be uploaded to social media, and later he uploaded them to the website PornHub. The accused was tried under IPC 354A/354C/354D/509 and 66E/66C/ 67/67A of IT Act resulting in 6 months imprisonment.

The Court also held that Virtual Rape is done against the victim every time one watches her nude images on the internet, and such Rape continues till she dies.

As on today there is no specific act to address cybercrime, the accused is tried under Section 292, 354C, 499 and 509 of IPC, Section 66E, 67, 67A, 72 of IT Act and Section 6 & 7 of Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

How Nyaya Darpan Foundation Helps Victims of Cyber Abuse ?

Nyaya Darpan Foundation has a team of best lawyers in Bangalore under the eminent leadership of Adv. Sonia Rajesh. Victims who are financially weak and in a disadvantage’s situation can fine help and support in filing an First Information Report (FIR) with their local police station.

Going Beyond advisory and assistance, the lawyers at Nyaya Darpan Foundation help you file the case at the district court and also can help fetch orders from the High Court under the Right to be Forgotten provision to get the photographs and videos to be permanently deleted from the cyber space.

Write to us at info@nyayadarpan.com if you are facing a challenge and need advice.