Pramesh S Jain
In a significant move to strengthen protection against online sexual exploitation and privacy violations,the Karnataka Police Department has issued a Standing Order directing all police officers across the state to take strict and immediate action in cases involving the non-consensual sharing, publication or transmission of intimate images and videos.
The order makes it clear that consent to record or capture an image or video does not amount to consent for its dissemination.
Any forwarding,sharing,publishing or transmission of intimate content without the person’s consent constitutes a separate cognisable offence,even if the material was originally recorded with consent.
The directive follows a request to the Home Department to make registration of FIRs mandatory in cases involving revenge pornography,sextortion and blackmail videos.
Under the Standing Order,police officers have been instructed to mandatorily register FIRs in complaints involving the non-consensual dissemination of intimate content.
Cases must be booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),2023,and the Information Technology Act, 2000,including Section 77 of the BNS, wherever applicable,and Sections 66E,67 and 67A of the IT Act.
The order specifically states that police cannot refuse or delay registration of complaints on the ground that the victim had earlier consented to the recording of the content.
In cases involving threats,extortion,coercion or demands for sexual favours, additional provisions relating to extortion and criminal intimidation must also be invoked.
To ensure swift action,police stations have been directed to register Zero FIRs in cases where jurisdiction is unclear and transfer them to the appropriate police station without delay.
Investigating officers have also been instructed to take immediate steps to remove or block offending content, preserve electronic evidence,and coordinate with Cyber Crime Police Stations and the CID Cyber Division for technical investigation.
The Standing Order further emphasises a victim-centric approach,directing officers to treat complainants with dignity and sensitivity,maintain strict confidentiality of their identities,and avoid victim-blaming.
Wherever feasible,complaints filed by women should be recorded by women police officers.
The department warned that any failure or delay in registering an FIR on the erroneous ground of “prior consent”would be viewed seriously and could invite departmental action against the concerned officer.
Officials said the directive aims to reinforce the constitutional right to privacy and ensure a uniform, legally sound and victim-sensitive response to cyber-enabled sexual offences across Karnataka.
