Harassment that happens online is not treated as less serious than harassment anywhere else. Two distinct routes exist, criminal and civil, and they serve different purposes.
The criminal route
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 covers conduct including offences against the dignity of a natural person, offences against modesty, and misuse of identity information. Complaints are investigated by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing.
This route aims at punishment and, in appropriate cases, removal of the material.
The civil route
Defamation proceedings seek something different: vindication and damages. The two routes are not mutually exclusive, and which to pursue depends on the outcome that actually matters to you, whether that is a prosecution or a public correction with compensation.
Content removal
Removal is frequently the client’s real priority. Platform reporting mechanisms operate independently of any legal proceedings and should be used in parallel, not afterwards.
Evidence decides it
- Capture the full page including the address and account identity, not a cropped image
- Record dates and times
- Preserve the material even where it is distressing to keep
- Note every account involved where there is a coordinated campaign
What to do next
Decide what outcome you actually want, whether removal, punishment or public correction, because that determines which route is worth the time and cost.