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If someone uses abusive language against you online or photoshops your image into content which is abusive or sexually coloured, that person can be punished1 under the law. The abusive language or picture or video should:
- Relate to a feeling or revealing of a sexual interest or sexual desire against you or;
- Relate to any excessive interest in sexual matters or;
- Relate to content which would deprave or corrupt you, if you read or saw it online, like pornography.
The punishment for the first conviction is jail time up to three years and a fine up to five lakhs and for the second conviction, a jail term which may extend to five years and a fine up to rupees ten lakhs.
- Section 67, Information Technology Act, 2000.[↩]
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Online Harassment and Violence against LGBTQ+ Persons
Online abuse happens on various platforms on the internet - social media, chat forums, etc. When faced with online abuse, your first step should be to see what the policy of the platform where the abuse is happening, and what steps the platform recommends for you to stop it.
Kaushiki patel
July 19, 2022
This lady is continously calling and even threatening me to kill and set fire at my house
Nyaaya
August 8, 2022
You may refer to our explainer on First Information Report to lodge an FIR.
Arpan Kumar
January 8, 2024
I am working in a school. I with my director and some teachers am being abused and photos hopping is done by someone on instagram.
Reema
January 25, 2024
A guy has been asking for bank details for transfer of money, later when denied for the respective thing, uses abusive language and has been calling repeatedly with different mobile number and uses offensive words against me.
Vamsi
February 26, 2024
He is from ICICI ban credit card division, he calls women and initiate sexual talks. Please take strict on him.
Alka Manral
April 26, 2024
The behavior described constitutes sexual harassment, which is a serious offense under Indian law. Specifically, it violates the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This law defines sexual harassment broadly and includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
The remedy for such behavior involves several steps:
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): If the individual works within an organization, the affected woman can file a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) set up by the organization as mandated by the law. The ICC is responsible for conducting an inquiry into the complaint and recommending appropriate action.
Police Complaint: If the harassment continues or if the organization fails to take appropriate action, the victim can file a police complaint. The police will investigate the matter and take legal action as per the law.
Legal Action: The victim can also file a civil or criminal case against the perpetrator seeking compensation for the harm caused and punitive action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other applicable laws.
Human Resources Department: If the perpetrator is an employee of a company, the victim can also approach the Human Resources department to report the harassment. The HR department should take immediate action to address the complaint and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
Awareness and Prevention: Organizations should conduct regular awareness programs on sexual harassment prevention and create a supportive work environment where employees feel safe to report such incidents without fear of retaliation.
It’s crucial to take prompt and decisive action to address instances of sexual harassment to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the workplace.
Vaibhav shukla
March 17, 2024
There’a girl in class 8th i was not interested in talking to her so she just started abusing me….gandi gandi gaaliyan mujhe mere family ko her instagram handle is
@anshika_aisha_