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If someone intentionally and with malice, says or writes something that insults your religion or religious beliefs, it is considered a crime under the law. For example, if someone insults your religion by calling it unpleasant names through a Facebook post.
These acts are punishable with jail time of up to three years or a fine or both.1
- Section 295A, The Indian Penal Code. [↩]
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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.
Nardx
November 12, 2022
Can a holy monk be punished under this code under the following situation:-
A monk of a high status, in a very well established religion, commits rape in a holy temple in a holy room? Especially if the crime happened outside India say the UK.
Anas
August 15, 2023
A person on Quora is talking about genocide of Muslims in India and even after reporting nothing happened
Unknown
January 19, 2024
On date 18 January 2024 our one teacher gill miss was teaching geography and in that the topic was some Israel and that teacher told that how Israel and other countries are developing why our country is not developing because they believe in only one God and told that in pk movie nay stone. if there in haldi kumkum they are making the god in short she told that in Hindu religion people make any stone as god …..please see this complaint
Alka Manral
April 18, 2024
In case of such a conflict, you can firstly approach your school’s administration for mediation regarding such conflict and if you still are not satisfied with such mediation, then you can file a police complaint. The procedure of filing an FIR is, the nature of the offense will be related to passing of insensitive comments towards a particular religion which is punishable under Section 295A of Indian Penal Code.
1. Visit the Police Station:
• Go to the police station that has authority over the area where the offense took place.
• Notify the Officer-in-Charge:
2. Inform the officer in charge or any available officer about the offense. You can provide the information orally or in writing.
• Provide Necessary Information:
1. Clearly and succinctly describe the incident, including:
• Date and time of the offense
• Location of the offense
• Nature of the offense
• Details of the victim(s) and perpetrator(s) if known
• Presence of any witnesses
• Any available evidence
• Review and Sign the FIR:
1. The officer will record your information and prepare the First Information Report (FIR).
2. Carefully review the FIR for accuracy and completeness.
3. Sign the FIR once you’ve confirmed the details.
• Obtain a Copy:
1. You have the right to receive a free copy of the FIR. Request it from the police officer.
• Understand Your Rights:
1. You can lodge an FIR regardless of your relationship to the victim or the offense.
2. The police cannot reject registering an FIR for a cognizable offense. If they do, you can file a complaint with the Superintendent of Police or approach the magistrate.
Additional Information:
• In some states, you can file an FIR online through citizen portals.
• If you can’t visit the police station, you can inform them via phone or email.
• Keep copies of any evidence you have, such as medical reports or witness statements.
• Seek legal advice if needed during the FIR filing process or if you have concerns.
Remember:
• Filing an FIR is crucial for initiating an investigation and seeking justice.
• Provide accurate and comprehensive details to the police.
• Know your rights and assert them if necessary
Vishwajeet Singh
January 25, 2024
Ek Instagram User Bhagwan Shiv Par Gande Gande Comments Kar Rha hai…. Take A Strict Action on it. Yeh Uski I’d h ➡️ tanai._koduru
Alka Manral
May 23, 2024
Instagram pe abusive comments report karne ke liye, yeh steps follow karein:
1. Us comment ke paas jakar click karein jo aap report karna chahte hain.
2. Report par click karein.
3. Comment kyun abusive hai iska reason select karein, phir on-screen instructions follow karein. Note: Jab aap ek comment report karte hain, toh aapko wo comment nahi dikhegi, lekin yeh iska matlab nahi hai ki Instagram ne us comment ko hata diya hai.
Jab aap ek comment report karte hain, aapko us vyakti ko restrict ya block karne ka bhi option milta hai jiska comment aapne report kiya hai.
Dhyaan rakhein ki aapki report anonymous hoti hai, agar aap kisi intellectual property infringement ko report kar rahe hain toh. Us account wale ko nahi pata chalta ki unki report kisne ki hai. Aur agar koi vyakti galtiyaan karke messages bhejna jaari rakhta hai, toh Instagram unka account disable kar dega. Woh naye accounts bhi disable karte hain jo sirf abusive messages bhejne ke liye banaye gaye hain.
Iske alawa, aap national portal par cyber-crime report bhi kar sakte hain:
1. Jaaye https://cybercrime.gov.in/ par.
2. Menu mein ‘Report other cyber crimes’ par click karein.
3. ‘File a Complaint’ par click karein.
4. Agar aap ek mahila ya bacche hain, toh aap anonymous report kar sakte hain ya fir “Report other Cyber Crimes” par click karein.
5. Sharto ko padhein aur unhe accept karein.
6. Apna mobile number register karein aur apna naam aur State bharein.
7. Apradh ke baare mein relevant details bharein.
Aap offence ko bina apna naam bataye bhi report kar sakte hain. Report karne ke baad, aap apni report ko usi website par track kar sakte hain.
Shubho Das
March 12, 2024
avijitroy16108@gmail.com
এই ব্যাক্তিটি ইচ্ছাকৃত ভাবে ধর্মকে অপমান করছে হিংসা ছড়াচ্ছে এবং সেটি ফেসবুক এর মাধ্যমেই, হিন্দু ধর্মের অনেক বাজে বাজে কথা বলছে।
Alka Manral
August 20, 2024
If you find the content of a Facebook post insulting a religion, you can report the account to Facebook. Additionally, you can file a complaint on the portal http://www.cyberpolice.gov.in/ or call the helpline number 155260. Insulting a religion attracts charges under Section 295A of the IPC.
Aaradhya
August 30, 2024
Hello i am a 17 year old minor a boy who likes me has taken my private videos and photos and is blackmailing me I cannot share this to anyone please someone help me and send him a warning as a legal authority
Sikha
November 8, 2024
If someone is blackmailing you with your pictures or videos, it’s important to take immediate action and protect yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Do Not Comply with Their Demands: Never give in to the blackmailer’s demands, no matter how threatening they seem. Complying will only make the situation worse, and the blackmailer will likely continue to exploit you.
Inform the Police: Blackmailing is a serious crime, often linked to extortion. If the blackmailer threatens to leak morphed or sensitive personal videos, contact the police right away. It’s crucial to report the crime immediately to prevent further harm.
Consult a Lawyer/Advocate: Sharing such personal matters can be difficult, but seeking professional legal help is essential. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure your privacy is protected. In India, you can reach out to platforms like Lead India, which provide experienced cybercrime lawyers to help you file complaints and take legal action.
Report Cybercrime Anonymously: If you prefer to report the blackmail anonymously, you can file a complaint at the government’s cybercrime portal: http://www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Approach Cyber Cells: Cybercrimes are not limited by jurisdiction, so you can report the offense to any cyber cell in your city. They can assist you in taking appropriate legal action against the blackmailer.
If You Are a Woman: You can write directly to the National Commission for Women if you feel unable to seek help elsewhere. Blackmailing, especially using videos, can be considered criminal intimidation under Section 351(1) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, and you can file a complaint under this provision.
Take Legal Action:
Section 308(2) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita: If the blackmailer forces or makes unlawful demands, this amounts to extortion, which is a punishable offense.
Section 294 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita: If the blackmailer threatens to disclose compromising pictures via electronic media, you can file a case under this section.
Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000: This section addresses violations of privacy, such as capturing videos or distributing pictures without your consent.
Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000: You can file a complaint if the blackmailer circulates videos to defame you.
Section 67A of the IT Act, 2000: If hidden cameras are used to record or circulate video clips, this section provides legal recourse, making such acts punishable.
By following these steps, you can take control of the situation, seek legal protection, and stop the blackmailer from causing further harm.
However, this is not a conclusive answer. For a more accurate result, consult a legal practitioner.
Sikha
November 25, 2024
I’m sorry that you’re facing this situation.
1. Immediate Action: Block the Harasser
• On both your phone and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, block the harasser immediately. This prevents further contact and helps reduce the immediate stress of receiving abusive or threatening messages.
• Most smartphones allow you to block calls and messages, while platforms like WhatsApp also provide an option to report the account for harassment.
2. File a Complaint with Authorities
Harassment is a serious offense, and Indian law offers multiple protections. You can file a First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station or through your state’s online platform for filing complaints. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the following sections are relevant:
• Section 354A: Addresses sexual harassment, including unwanted physical contact, advances, or any sexually explicit communication. This can cover cases where the harasser sends inappropriate or offensive content.
• Section 509: This covers actions intended to insult the modesty of a woman, which includes verbal harassment, indecent messages, and inappropriate gestures.
• Section 354D: Criminalizes stalking, whether physical or online. If the harasser continues to contact you after being blocked or attempts to trace your activities online, this section is applicable.
Filing a police report is crucial, as it creates an official record of the harassment. The police are required to take appropriate action, including issuing a warning, filing charges, or arresting the harasser, depending on the severity of the offense.
3. Report Cyber Harassment to Cyber Crime Cell
Since the harassment is happening through digital channels (social media, messaging platforms, etc.), it is important to report it to the Cyber Crime Cell. You can file complaints under the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with offenses like cyberstalking, online harassment, and bullying. The following steps can help:
• Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/) to file a complaint for cyber harassment or abuse.
• You can also call the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) for immediate assistance.
• If harassment occurs on specific platforms like Facebook or Instagram, make use of their in-built reporting tools to report the abusive account or messages. Social media platforms are legally required to take action on complaints of harassment.
4. Document the Harassment
It is essential to collect and preserve evidence of harassment. This can include:
• Taking screenshots of all abusive messages, calls, or emails.
• Noting down the date, time, and platform where the harassment occurred.
• Saving any threatening or harmful content, including multimedia (videos, pictures) sent by the harasser.
This evidence will be vital when presenting your case to the police, a lawyer, or a court.
5. Consult a Lawyer
Getting professional legal advice is essential to understand your options. A lawyer can:
• Guide you through the process of filing a formal police complaint or a civil case for damages.
• Assist in filing a case under the Information Technology Act or other relevant laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• Help you issue a legal notice to the harasser demanding an end to the abuse.
In some cases, a lawyer may suggest filing for an injunction (court order) to prevent further contact from the harasser.
6. Use Helplines and Legal Aid Platforms
There are several helplines and resources available that can provide immediate support and guidance:
• National Women’s Helpline (181): This is a 24/7 helpline that provides immediate assistance to women facing harassment. They can help connect you with the police, legal aid, and counseling services.
• Cyber Crime Helpline (1930): This national helpline provides assistance with cyber-related crimes, including online harassment and stalking.
• National Commission for Women (NCW): You can file complaints with the NCW via their website (https://ncw.nic.in/) or by calling 011-26942369, 011-26944754. They provide legal and social support for women facing harassment.
• Sakhi One-Stop Crisis Centres (1091): This helpline supports women facing harassment or violence and can connect you with police and legal services in your area.
• Truecaller: Use this app to identify unknown callers, block numbers, and report harassment via phone calls.
7. Seek Emotional and Psychological Support
Harassment can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional counselors for support. There are organizations that offer free counseling services to help you cope:
• SNEHI: Provides counseling support. You can contact them at 09810590419.
• Aasra Suicide Prevention Helpline: For mental health support, you can call 022 2754 6669 for assistance.
Many states and cities have local NGOs that offer help for women facing harassment or abuse. Contacting these organizations can give you access to immediate emotional and legal help.
8. Enhance Your Online Safety
In order to prevent future incidents of harassment:
• Limit your online visibility: Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Only allow friends or trusted contacts to view your personal information or posts.
• Be cautious about sharing personal details online, including your phone number, address, or email, especially on public forums or profiles.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your social media and messaging accounts to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
• Use tools like Truecaller to filter out unknown or suspicious calls.
By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and ensure that your safety and privacy are protected. If you need further guidance on any of the steps, legal actions, or reporting mechanisms, feel free to ask for more detailed information. Stay strong, and remember, help is available.