Contents
- Online stalking in Kerala – repeated follow, messages, monitoring (BNS 78)
- Sextortion – intimate photo/video threat for money or more images
- Revenge porn / non-consensual intimate image (NCII) sharing – ex-partner upload
- Deepfake / morphed photo-video – face swapped onto explicit content
- Fake profile in victim's name – Instagram / Facebook / matrimonial impersonation
- Identity theft – PAN/Aadhaar/photo used for SIM, loan, or account
- Online defamation – post, video, review alleging crime/fraud against person/business
- Hacked account – email / Instagram / business page taken over
- Voyeurism – photo/video of private act without consent (BNS 77)
- Cyberbullying / college ragging chat abuse – group targeting student
- Accused-side – harassment allegation from failed relationship / dispute
- Accused-side – defamation complaint against you for review/complaint
- Civil injunction – stop circulation + de-index prayer drafting
- 2-hour intimate-image grievance track – impersonation content (Rule 3(2)(b))
- Workplace / college online harassment record – ICC + police parallel
- Child-targeted abuse image complaint – POCSO + IT 67B path (facts only)
- Business-review extortion – "pay or 1-star / expose video stays
- Matrimonial-site misuse – fake groom/bride + money/photo demand
- Doxxing – address/phone/child school published to harass
- Non-consensual recording in lodge/hostel/PG – hidden camera allegation
- Image-misuse by lender/recovery agent – contact-list broadcast threat
- Comment-section pile-on / coordinated trolling – journalist / doctor / teacher targeted
- Apology / correction vs trial – what public statement is safe during case
- Evidence bundle for harassment trial – full-thread + BSA 63 + 105 video
Online stalking in Kerala – repeated follow, messages, monitoring (BNS 78)
Repeated messages/follows despite blocking; fear at home/college.
What it involvesCourse of conduct + fear/alarm; platform + police tracks.
Relevant lawBNS 78 (stalking – primary); IT 67/67A add only where obscene/sexual content.
ForumSHO/Women & Cyber cells + NCRP; platform Rule 3(2) grievance.
Procedure & stagePreserve full thread (no selective delete); BNSS 173 complaint; protection/support request.
RemedyFIR + restraint/bail conditions; takedown.
High Court connectionHC bail-cancellation / protection direction where threat persists.
Documents normally requiredComplete chats, IDs/URLs, block/report tickets, ID proof, NCRP ack.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – preserve and complain promptly; protection/support urgency.
Related: Fake-profile; injunction.
Blocked – enough?
Preserve first, then block + complain – deletion weakens proof.
Sextortion – intimate photo/video threat for money or more images
Threat to publish unless money/images sent; panic payment pressure.
What it involvesExtortion + privacy violation; often organised handler.
Relevant lawBNS 308(2) extortion, 351 intimidation; IT 66E (privacy), 67/67A (obscene/sexual publication).
ForumCyber PS (women-sensitive handling where applicable) + NCRP; platform grievance.
Procedure & stageDo not pay further; preserve threat + payment trail; BNSS 173 FIR; takedown parallel.
RemedyFreeze + takedown + prosecution; interim injunction where identifiable publisher.
High Court connectionHC in-camera/privacy prayers; writ for persistent non-removal.
Documents normally requiredThreats, URLs/IDs, UTRs, platform tickets, ID.
LimitationTakedown – Rule 3(2) ack 24 hrs; intimate-image track 2-hr removal effort (see entry on this page).
Related: Revenge-porn; deepfake.
Paid once – will it stop?
Usually escalates – stop, preserve, complain.
Revenge porn / non-consensual intimate image (NCII) sharing – ex-partner upload
Private images shared to friends/sites after breakup.
What it involvesConsent-based offence; rapid spread control.
Relevant lawIT 66E, 67/67A; BNS 79 (insult to modesty – where ingredients), 308/351 where threats.
ForumCyber PS + NCRP; platform grievance + StopNCII-type hash where available.
Procedure & stageURL-by-URL preservation (hash/URL/time); platform + NCRP + FIR same day; BSA 63 chain.
RemedyRemoval + de-index request + prosecution; civil injunction.
High Court connectionHC gag/privacy + intermediary-direction prayers in persistent-circulation cases.
Documents normally requiredURLs, screenshots with time, reporter tickets, ID, FIR/NCRP.
Limitation2-hr intimate-image removal track (r.3(2)(b)) + ack 24 hrs (r.3(2)(a)(i)) – IT Rules as amended by G.S.R. 120(E) dated 10.02.2026, w.e.f. 20.02.2026.
Related: Deepfake; injunction.
Consented to capture – case lost?
Capture consent is not distribution consent – record matters.
Deepfake / morphed photo-video – face swapped onto explicit content
Morphed images circulated as if real; reputation + family distress.
What it involvesForgery/personation + obscenity + defamation overlap.
Relevant lawIT 66E, 66D (personation), 67/67A; BNS 319(2), 336 forgery-type (where ingredients), 356 defamation. IT Rules 2021 as amended by G.S.R. 120(E) (10.02.2026, w.e.f. 20.02.2026): r.3(3) – intermediaries offering synthetic-content (SGI) tools must deploy measures to prevent unlawful SGI and label other SGI with permanent metadata/unique identifier where technically feasible; r.4(1A) – SSMI user declaration + label.
ForumCyber PS + NCRP; platform grievance; FSL for authenticity.
Procedure & stagePreserve original vs morphed + circulation path; FSL opinion via IO; BSA 63.
RemedyTakedown + prosecution + injunction; correction statement via court, not press trial.
High Court connectionHC injunction/writ where platforms slow on morph complaints.
Documents normally requiredOriginals, morphed copies, URLs, tickets, FSL request.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – preserve originals and report promptly; morphed intimate/impersonation images fall in the 2-hr r.3(2)(b) removal track.
Related: ID-theft; defamation.
Obviously fake – still offence?
Yes – circulation as if real sustains complaint.
Fake profile in victim's name – Instagram / Facebook / matrimonial impersonation
Profile with victim photos messaging others / soliciting.
What it involvesIdentity theft + personation + obscenity where misused.
Relevant lawIT 66C (identity theft), 66D; BNS 319(2); IT 67 add where obscene.
ForumPlatform impersonation report + NCRP + Cyber PS.
Procedure & stageProfile URL + follower/message preservation; platform ticket + FIR; BSA 63.
RemedySuspension + disclosure for trial + prosecution.
High Court connectionHC disclosure-direction where platform awaits police channel.
Documents normally requiredFake vs real profile PDFs, URLs, message samples, tickets, ID.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – platform impersonation notice + NCRP promptly.
Related: ID-theft; stalking.
Report only?
Report + NCRP/FIR – report alone rarely preserves disclosure.
Identity theft – PAN/Aadhaar/photo used for SIM, loan, or account
Loan/SIM in victim's KYC without knowledge.
What it involvesKYC forgery + credit/CRIF impact.
Relevant lawIT 66C; BNS 319, 336/340 forgery-type (where ingredients); IT 72A civil penalty (since 30.11.2023) where a service provider discloses in breach of contract.
ForumCyber PS; lender/TSP grievance; CIC dispute.
Procedure & stageKYC-copy demand via IO; lender fraud-mark request; CIC dispute; BNSS 173 FIR.
RemedyFraud-mark + closure + prosecution; correction.
High Court connectionWrit vs public lender/bureau for non-speaking rejection after remedy.
Documents normally requiredKYC misuse proof, lender letters, CIC report, FIR/NCRP.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – fraud-mark/CIC dispute promptly; CICRA s.21(3) update request – 30 days.
Related: SIM-swap; defamation (CIBIL-next).
Pay loan to clear CIBIL?
No – fraud-mark track first.
Online defamation – post, video, review alleging crime/fraud against person/business
False post alleges cheating/affair/crime; shares rising.
What it involvesFalse + publication + harm; truth/exception is trial issue.
Relevant lawBNS 356 (defamation – primary); BNSS complaint procedure; civil injunction parallel.
ForumMagistrate complaint (criminal defamation) + civil court (injunction/damages); platform grievance.
Procedure & stageURL-wise preservation + witness reach proof; grievance + legal notice + complaint/suit.
RemedyTakedown/injunction + damages + prosecution per track.
High Court connectionHC in revision/appeal; interim-relief modification – plead exact URLs.
Documents normally requiredURLs with time/reach, tickets, notice, ID/business proof.
LimitationCriminal complaint – file promptly; cognizance bar – 3 years (BNSS 514; BNS 356(2) punishable up to 2 years; court may extend under s.519); civil damages – 1 year (Limitation Act, Art 75 libel – from publication; Art 76 slander).
Related: Injunction; fake-profile.
True post – defamation?
Truth for the public good (BNS 356 Exception 1) is a defence at trial – facts only.
Hacked account – email / Instagram / business page taken over
Password/2FA changed; recovery fails; misuse in owner's name.
What it involvesUnauthorised access + personation trail.
Relevant lawIT 66 (computer-related offence), 43; IT 66C/66D where identity misused; BNS 318 where fraud follows.
ForumPlatform hack-recovery + NCRP + Cyber PS.
Procedure & stageRecovery + log preservation (login alerts/IPs); grievance + FIR; BSA 63 for logs.
RemedyRecovery + disclosure + prosecution.
High Court connectionHC direction where business-page takeover stalls after police channel.
Documents normally requiredLogin alerts, recovery tickets, misuse samples, NCRP/FIR.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – recovery/log preservation immediately; BSA 63 near filing.
Related: WhatsApp takeover; evidence.
Change password only?
Also revoke sessions/apps + preserve logs first.
Voyeurism – photo/video of private act without consent (BNS 77)
Private-act recording shared/threatened.
What it involvesGendered offence + IT overlay where electronic.
Relevant lawBNS 77 (voyeurism – primary); IT 66E add where electronic privacy violated.
ForumWomen/Cyber PS + NCRP; platform grievance.
Procedure & stageVictim-sensitive statement; device/URL preservation; support-person present.
RemedyProsecution + takedown + protection conditions.
High Court connectionIn-camera + identity-suppression prayers before HC where needed.
Documents normally requiredURLs/devices, tickets, statement, support note.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – report immediately; device/URL preservation is time-sensitive.
Related: Sextortion; injunction.
Device with accused?
IO seizure under BNSS 106/105 – do not confront directly.
Cyberbullying / college ragging chat abuse – group targeting student
Memes/abuse in class groups; attendance/mental-health impact.
What it involvesHarassment + institutional duty + platform track.
Relevant lawBNS 79/351/356 per content; IT 67 where obscene; UGC/institutional norms for college track.
ForumInstitution ICC/anti-ragging + Cyber PS/NCRP + platform grievance.
Procedure & stageFull-thread preservation; institution + police parallel; counselling note.
RemedyTakedown + inquiry + prosecution per gravity.
High Court connectionHC writ where institution/police silent on student safety.
Documents normally requiredThreads, group info, institution complaints, tickets.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – full-thread preservation and complaint promptly.
Related: Stalking; minor path.
Leave group?
Preserve export first, then mute/exit + complain.
Accused-side – harassment allegation from failed relationship / dispute
Messages quoted out of context after breakup/business fallout.
What it involvesConsent/context/cessation record; no-contact discipline.
Relevant lawBNS 78/79/351/356 defences on facts; BNSS bail/AB; BSA 63 for full thread.
ForumIO; Sessions/HC bail; Magistrate trial.
Procedure & stageFull thread (not edits); cessation proof; counsel-led statement; strict no-contact.
RemedyBail; discharge/quash where no course-of-conduct proved.
High Court connectionHC AB/quash – complete thread decides.
Documents normally requiredFull export, cessation/block proof, witness context.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – bail/AB per custody stage; preserve the full thread now.
Related: Quash; injunction (against counter-circulation).
Delete chats?
No – deletion suggests guilt; preserve full.
Accused-side – defamation complaint against you for review/complaint
Honest review/whistleblow draws 356 notice.
What it involvesTruth/good-faith exception + forum discipline.
Relevant lawBNS 356 Exceptions (e.g., Exc. 1 truth for public good; Exc. 9 good-faith imputation to protect interests); civil truth defence.
ForumMagistrate (complaint); civil court.
Procedure & stageSource bundle for each assertion; reply notice with documents; no fresh publication.
RemedyDischarge/acquittal per proof; suit defence.
High Court connectionHC quash where complaint lacks publication/falsehood prima facie.
Documents normally requiredBills/records for each claim, notice/reply, URLs frozen.
LimitationReply within the time given in the notice; no fixed period for quash – move promptly.
Related: Quash; evidence.
Delete review?
Take advice – deletion timing affects record.
Civil injunction – stop circulation + de-index prayer drafting
FIR filed but links keep mirroring.
What it involvesURL-specific injunction + intermediary implementation.
Relevant lawCPC Order 39 + Specific Relief; IT 79 + Rules grievance record.
ForumCivil court (jurisdiction); HC on appeal/revision.
Procedure & stageExact URLs + irreparable-harm affidavit + platform tickets; John-Doe where unknown mirrors.
RemedyInterim takedown/de-index; final injunction + damages.
High Court connectionHC appeal/revision on injunction orders.
Documents normally requiredURL list, reach proof, tickets, ID, FIR/NCRP.
LimitationInterim relief is urgency-driven – file promptly; damages for libel 1 year from publication (Limitation Act, Art 75); residuary 3 years (Art 113).
Related: 69A/domain; 2-hr grievance.
One order removes all mirrors?
List known URLs + John-Doe mechanism for mirrors.
2-hour intimate-image grievance track – impersonation content (Rule 3(2)(b))
Platform ticket pending while image spreads.
What it involvesSpecial 2-hour removal-effort track for private-area/nudity/sexual-act/impersonation incl. morphed.
Relevant lawIT Rules Rule 3(2)(b)-(c) (2-hr action on listed intimate-image complaints with details; ack 24 hrs / disposal 7 days).
ForumPlatform Grievance Officer → Grievance Appellate Committee (Rule 3A, 30 days) → court.
Procedure & stageComplaint with details enabling identification; ticket escalation; GAC appeal within 30 days of the Grievance Officer's communication (r.3A(3)).
RemedyRemoval/disable + appellate direction.
High Court connectionWrit where GAC/platform process fails on listed content.
Documents normally requiredURLs, ID proof, detail note, tickets, GAC appeal.
LimitationGAC appeal – 30 days from officer communication.
Related: Injunction; deepfake.
No ticket number?
Re-file via published grievance page and save ack.
Workplace / college online harassment record – ICC + police parallel
DM harassment by colleague/senior; fears retaliation.
What it involvesInternal + criminal tracks can run together.
Relevant lawPOSH/UGC framework + BNS 78/79/351 per content; IT overlay where electronic.
ForumICC/college cell + SHO/Cyber PS.
Procedure & stageDated internal complaint + NCRP/FIR; preserve; no private mediation on serious heads.
RemedyInquiry + protection + prosecution per gravity.
High Court connectionHC writ where institution buries complaint.
Documents normally requiredDMs, institution complaint, tickets, FIR.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period for the police track; POSH (aggrieved woman) – IC/LC complaint within 3 months of the last incident, extendable by up to 3 months (s.9); inquiry within 90 days (s.11(4)).
Related: Stalking; bullying.
Internal or police first?
Both promptly – they serve different reliefs.
Child-targeted abuse image complaint – POCSO + IT 67B path (facts only)
Minor's image misused / sexual content involving child circulated.
What it involvesZero-tolerance track; victim-identity protected; do not forward.
Relevant lawPOCSO + IT 67B (child sexual content) + BNS 78/79/294-type per facts; procedure child-sensitive.
ForumSpecial Juvenile/Cyber + NCRP (report, do not redistribute).
Procedure & stageReport with URL (not copy-spread); victim support; FSL via IO; BSA 63.
RemedyTakedown + prosecution + compensation/support schemes per policy.
High Court connectionHC privacy/in-camera + bail jurisprudence is stringent here – record only.
Documents normally requiredURL/time note, reporter ticket, guardian ID, NCRP/FIR.
LimitationReport immediately – POCSO s.19 reporting duty (SJPU/local police); do not forward.
Related: Deepfake; FSL.
Forward to prove?
No – forwarding itself risks offence; report by URL.
Business-review extortion – "pay or 1-star / expose video stays
Threat to keep defamatory review/video unless paid.
What it involvesExtortion + defamation + platform-manipulation.
Relevant lawBNS 308, 356; IT 66D/66E per method.
ForumCyber PS + NCRP; platform grievance.
Procedure & stagePreserve demand + review history; platform + FIR parallel; no payment.
RemedyTakedown + prosecution; injunction.
High Court connectionHC injunction/bail overlap where reviewer sues/counter-alleges.
Documents normally requiredDemand chats, review URLs/history, tickets, business proof.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – preserve the demand and report immediately.
Related: BEC; injunction.
Pay to remove?
No – record demand first.
Matrimonial-site misuse – fake groom/bride + money/photo demand
Profile romance → money/photo demand; family pressure.
What it involvesRomance + personation + extortion pattern.
Relevant lawBNS 318, 319, 308/351 where threats; IT 66C/66D/66E.
ForumPlatform grievance + Cyber PS/NCRP.
Procedure & stageFull profile/chat preservation; platform + FIR; family-support note.
RemedyTakedown + freeze + prosecution.
High Court connectionMulti-state coordination writ where handler outside Kerala.
Documents normally requiredProfile PDFs, chats, UTRs, tickets.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – preserve profile/chat and report promptly.
Related: Pig-butchering; sextortion.
Meet to recover?
No – hand over to IO.
Doxxing – address/phone/child school published to harass
Personal data posted to invite harassment.
What it involvesPrivacy + intimidation + platform-takedown.
Relevant lawIT 66E / 72A (civil penalty) per source of disclosure; BNS 351/356 per content; DPDP direction evolving.
ForumPlatform grievance + Cyber PS/NCRP; injunction where persistent.
Procedure & stageURL preservation; takedown + FIR; address-safety steps with police.
RemedyRemoval + prosecution + protection.
High Court connectionHC privacy/injunction where doxxing persists.
Documents normally requiredURLs, disclosure-source note, tickets, FIR.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – takedown + complaint promptly; address-safety steps at once.
Related: ID-theft; injunction.
Delete own posts?
Audit privacy settings + preserve evidence first.
Non-consensual recording in lodge/hostel/PG – hidden camera allegation
Camera found / recording suspected in private space.
What it involvesScene preservation + owner/staff trail.
Relevant lawBNS 77; IT 66E; BNS 308/351 where threat.
ForumSHO/Cyber PS immediately; FSL scene via IO (BNSS 105/106).
Procedure & stageDo not disturb scene; call police; device/scene seizure memo with hash.
RemedySeizure + prosecution + injunction on circulation.
High Court connectionHC protection/privacy directions; bail jurisprudence strict.
Documents normally requiredScene photos (without disturbing), booking proof, device details, FIR.
LimitationReport immediately – scene preservation is time-sensitive; no fixed statutory period.
Related: Voyeurism; seizure-memo.
Confront owner?
No – preserve scene and call police.
Image-misuse by lender/recovery agent – contact-list broadcast threat
Recovery agent threatens to send morphed/borrower photo to contacts.
What it involvesCoercive recovery + privacy violation.
Relevant lawBNS 308/351; IT 66E/67 per publication; RBI recovery norms.
ForumCyber PS + RBI Sachet + lender grievance.
Procedure & stagePreserve threat; lender + Sachet + NCRP parallel; permissions revoked.
RemedyProsecution + takedown + regulatory action.
High Court connectionHC writ where threats continue after complaints.
Documents normally requiredThreats, lender ID, APK, Sachet ref, NCRP.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – preserve the threat and file lender/Sachet/NCRP in parallel at once.
Related: Loan-app; sextortion.
Settle to stop?
Record first – settlement without deletion proof repeats.
Apology / correction vs trial – what public statement is safe during case
Parties want to post apology/denial while case pending.
What it involvesContempt + defamation-repeat + evidence risks.
Relevant lawContempt + BNS 356 repeat-publication risk; BSA admissibility of admissions.
ForumCounsel-led; court-recorded statement preferred.
Procedure & stageNo unilateral post; court-noted apology/correction where advised.
RemedyCleaner trial + contempt safety.
High Court connectionHC tests public statements in bail/quash/injunction conduct.
Documents normally requiredDraft statement vetted; court order where recorded.
LimitationNo fixed statutory period – court-recorded statement as advised; unilateral posts risk contempt.
Related: Settlement; defamation.
Post apology to end case?
Only through court/counsel – unilateral post can aggravate.
Evidence bundle for harassment trial – full-thread + BSA 63 + 105 video
Screenshots doubted as edited.
What it involvesOriginal device + exports + dual certificates + IO videography.
Relevant lawBSA 63 (certificate signed by person in charge + expert; Schedule Parts A/B); BNSS 105 (AV recording of search/seizure).
ForumTrial court via IO.
Procedure & stageOriginal + hash-noted copy + BSA 63(4) certificate in Schedule form – Part A (party) + Part B (expert), with hash; IO 105 video where seizure.
RemedyAdmissibility; avoids secondary-proof fight.
High Court connectionHC revision/appeal turns on this bundle.
Documents normally requiredOriginal, export, BSA 63 drafts, 105 video memo.
LimitationBSA 63 certificate with the record each time it is submitted for admission (s.63(4)); BNSS 105 video recorded at the search/seizure.
Related: Seizure-memo; FSL.
Notarised screenshots enough?
Original + BSA 63 is stronger.
