Cyber Violence Against Women in India: Legal Framework, Challenges, and the Path Ahead

Abstract

In the digital age, the rapid expansion of internet technologies has transformed social, economic, and political life. Yet, alongside these advancements, cyberspace has become a new arena for gender-based violence. Cyber violence against women encompasses a spectrum of crimes—ranging from cyberstalking, trolling, and revenge pornography to identity theft, deepfakes, and online blackmail. In India, the rise of internet penetration has been paralleled by an alarming increase in online crimes targeting women. This paper critically examines the phenomenon of cyber violence against women in India through a socio-legal lens. It analyzes the nature and forms of cyber violence, explores its underlying causes and consequences, and evaluates India’s constitutional and statutory framework, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Judicial perspectives such as Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) and Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) are considered to highlight the balance between digital rights and safety. The study also investigates support mechanisms for victims, including police cyber cells, NGOs, and the role of social media platforms. Findings reveal significant gaps in law enforcement, awareness, and institutional responses, coupled with deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes. Finally, the paper proposes recommendations such as a comprehensive cyber-violence law, specialized training for law enforcement, digital literacy programs, and stricter accountability for online platforms. Ultimately, cyber violence is not merely a technological issue but a grave violation of human rights, requiring multidimensional solutions that combine law, technology, education, and cultural transformation.