Introduction
The rapid growth of the internet and social media has transformed communication but has also given rise to online harassment. From cyberstalking and trolling to identity theft and revenge pornography, victims face emotional, reputational, and sometimes financial harm. Recognizing these risks, Indian law provides several remedies to protect individuals from online abuse.
Forms of Online Harassment
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Cyberstalking: Persistent monitoring, sending unwanted messages, or threatening online behavior.
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Cyberbullying and Trolling: Abusive or defamatory comments intended to intimidate or humiliate.
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Revenge Pornography and Morphing: Sharing intimate images without consent or editing them to cause harm.
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Identity Theft and Impersonation: Using someone’s personal details to create fake profiles or commit fraud.
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Online Defamation: Publishing false statements that harm someone’s reputation.
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Doxxing: Publicly sharing private information such as addresses or phone numbers.
Relevant Laws and Legal Provisions
Information Technology Act, 2000
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Section 66C: Punishes identity theft.
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Section 66D: Covers cheating by impersonation using computer resources.
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Section 66E: Addresses the violation of privacy through capturing or sharing private images without consent.
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Section 67 and 67A: Penalize publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit material.
Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
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Section 354D: Stalking, including online monitoring.
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Section 499 & 500: Criminal defamation.
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Section 507: Criminal intimidation through anonymous communication.
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Section 509: Words or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
Other Relevant Provisions
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Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Prohibits obscene representation of women.
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Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Covers child pornography and related crimes.
Steps to Take if You Are Harassed Online
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Document the Evidence
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Take screenshots and save URLs, messages, and emails.
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Preserve metadata if possible.
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Report to Platform or Service Provider
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Use the in-built complaint mechanisms on social media sites and email providers.
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File a Police Complaint or FIR
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Approach the local police cyber cell or file a Zero FIR at any police station.
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Provide detailed evidence and offender details if known.
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Report on Government Portals
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Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) for quick online complaints, especially in cases involving women and children.
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Remedies and Penalties
Depending on the offence, penalties range from fines to imprisonment:
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Up to three years’ imprisonment for identity theft or stalking.
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Up to five years’ imprisonment and fines for transmitting sexually explicit material.
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Compensation and damages through civil suits for defamation or mental harassment.
Preventive Measures
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Privacy Settings: Secure your social media profiles and limit public access.
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Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Protect against hacking and identity theft.
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Awareness and Education: Understand the risks and safe practices for online interaction.
Judicial Perspective
Indian courts have recognized the seriousness of online harassment. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court emphasized the need to balance free speech with protection against abuse while striking down Section 66A of the IT Act, which was misused to curb legitimate expression.
Conclusion
Online harassment is a growing challenge in the digital era, but Indian law provides robust remedies for victims. Awareness of legal rights, timely reporting, and digital vigilance are critical to ensuring safety and accountability. By combining legal action with preventive measures, individuals can protect themselves and foster a safer online environment.