If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Priya Sharma, a 26-year-old software engineer from Mumbai, discovered that her intimate videos were being circulated on social media platforms without her consent. The videos, which were originally shared with her ex-boyfriend Rahul Mehta during their relationship, surfaced on various messaging groups and adult websites after their breakup in March 2024. The incident has caused severe mental trauma to Priya, affecting her professional life and personal relationships.

The case came to light when Priya’s colleague informed her about the videos being shared in their office WhatsApp group. Upon investigation, it was found that Rahul had shared these private videos with his friends, who then distributed them further across multiple platforms. Priya immediately contacted the cyber crime cell and filed a complaint at the Bandra Police Station on 15th April 2024.

This case highlights the growing menace of non-consensual sharing of intimate images, commonly known as revenge porn, which has become a serious cybercrime affecting thousands of victims across India.

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 of 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
• Document everything immediately – take screenshots of where the content appears
• Report to social media platforms and request immediate removal
• File a complaint with the cyber crime cell without delay
• Preserve all evidence including chat histories and witness statements
• Seek psychological support to deal with trauma and stress
• Avoid confronting the perpetrator directly as it may worsen the situation

Applicable Sections of Law

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the following sections are applicable:

• Section 79 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman)
• Section 77 (Sexual harassment)
• Section 354 (Voyeurism)
• Section 351 (Criminal intimidation)
• Section 356 (Defamation)

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000:

• Section 67 (Publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form)
• Section 67A (Publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act)
• Section 66E (Violation of privacy)

If you are the complainant

If you are the victim

As a victim of intimate image abuse, you have several rights and remedies available:

• Right to file FIR under multiple sections of BNS and IT Act
• Right to seek immediate removal of content from platforms
• Right to claim compensation for mental trauma and defamation
• Right to privacy protection under Article 21 of the Constitution
• Right to seek interim relief from courts to prevent further distribution
• Protection under victim compensation schemes

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 of 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

How the police behave in such cases

Police response in intimate image abuse cases varies, but generally follows these patterns:

• Initial reluctance to register FIR, often suggesting it as a civil matter
• Requirement for detailed technical evidence before taking action
• Coordination with cyber crime cells for digital forensics
• Tendency to mediate between parties instead of pursuing criminal charges
• Improved response after recent legal amendments and awareness campaigns
• Better handling by specialized women police stations and cyber crime units

FAQs people normally have

Q: Can I get the videos permanently removed from the internet?
A: Complete removal is challenging but legal action can significantly limit distribution through court orders and platform cooperation.

Q: Will filing a case make the matter more public?
A: Court proceedings can be conducted in-camera to protect victim identity, and media reporting restrictions apply.

Q: Can I claim monetary compensation?
A: Yes, victims can claim damages for mental trauma, loss of reputation, and other losses through civil suits.

Q: How long does it take to get justice?
A: Cases typically take 1-3 years depending on complexity, evidence availability, and court schedules.

What evidence is required?

• Screenshots of the videos/images being shared on various platforms
• URLs and timestamps of where content appeared
• Chat conversations showing distribution or threats
• Witness statements from people who saw the content
• Technical evidence showing source of upload
• Medical records showing psychological impact
• Bank statements showing financial losses due to the incident
• Employment records showing career impact

How long will the investigation take?

Investigation timelines in intimate image abuse cases typically follow this pattern:

• Initial response and FIR registration: 1-7 days
• Digital forensics and evidence collection: 2-6 months
• Arrest and interrogation of accused: 1-3 months after evidence collection
• Chargesheet filing: 6-12 months from FIR date
• Trial proceedings: 12-36 months depending on court backlog
• Appeal processes may add 1-2 years to final resolution

Factors affecting timeline include technical complexity, cooperation of platforms, accused’s cooperation, and availability of witnesses.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India