One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr. X approached me with a serious cyber crime issue involving his partner Ms. Y. A male acquaintance, Mr. Z, had created inappropriate AI-generated fake images depicting Ms. Y with him in compromising situations. These digitally manipulated images were then shared with Ms. Y’s friend, who unfortunately forwarded them to Ms. Y’s former partner. The couple had screenshots as evidence but were concerned about confronting Mr. Z directly, fearing he might destroy additional evidence. This case involved multiple legal violations including cyber harassment, defamation, and violation of privacy through technology misuse. The creation and distribution of such morphed images without consent constitutes serious criminal offenses under Indian cyber laws. Immediate legal intervention was necessary to prevent further circulation and ensure proper evidence preservation for prosecution.

Advice in Such Cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

Do not confront the accused directly as it may lead to evidence destruction. Immediately preserve all digital evidence by taking screenshots and saving metadata. Report the matter to cyber crime police station without delay. Avoid sharing details on social media platforms as it may complicate the legal proceedings.

Applicable Sections of Law

This case falls under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 351 (criminal intimidation), Section 356 (defamation), and Section 75 (voyeurism and related offenses). Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Section 173 governs investigation procedures for cyber crimes. Information Technology Act Section 67A deals with sexually explicit material in electronic form, while Section 66E covers violation of privacy through digital means. These provisions collectively address the creation, possession, and distribution of morphed intimate images without consent.

If You Are the Complainant

File an FIR at the nearest cyber crime police station with all available evidence. Maintain detailed records of all communications and digital evidence with timestamps. Request police to seize the accused’s electronic devices before evidence destruction. Engage a competent cyber crime lawyer immediately for proper legal guidance. Demand investigation under relevant sections of BNS and IT Act. Ensure your lawyer coordinates with investigating officers for thorough probe.

If You Are the Victim

Immediately document all evidence including screenshots with visible metadata and timestamps. Avoid confronting the perpetrator to prevent evidence tampering. Report to cyber crime cell within 24-48 hours of discovery. Seek support from trusted family members during the legal process. Consider counseling if the incident causes emotional distress. Cooperate fully with police investigation while maintaining your dignity and privacy throughout the proceedings.

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Cyber crime police generally take such cases seriously due to increasing awareness about digital harassment. They typically conduct device seizures, digital forensics, and detailed investigation. However, some officers may lack technical expertise requiring legal intervention. Police usually coordinate with cyber forensic labs for evidence analysis. Response time varies depending on jurisdiction and case complexity.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can AI-generated fake images be legally prosecuted? Yes, creating and distributing morphed intimate images without consent is a serious criminal offense under Indian cyber laws.

How long does cyber crime investigation take? Typically 3-6 months depending on technical complexity and evidence availability.

Can we get compensation? Yes, victims can seek monetary compensation through criminal proceedings and separate civil defamation suits.

Will confronting the accused help? No, direct confrontation may lead to evidence destruction and should be avoided.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Original screenshots of fake AI images with metadata
• Communication records showing image sharing
• Device information from which images were sent/received
• Witness statements from people who received images
• Digital forensic reports establishing image manipulation
• Social media evidence if images were posted online
• Technical evidence proving AI generation software usage

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Cyber crime investigations typically require 3-6 months for completion. Digital forensic analysis can take 2-3 months depending on technical complexity. Court proceedings may extend the timeline by additional 6-12 months. Factors like evidence preservation, technical expertise availability, and accused cooperation affect investigation duration.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India