Legal Remedies for Online Harassment & Cyberbullying in India (BNS + IT Act Explained)
Online harassment and cyberbullying have become serious legal issues in India with the rapid rise of social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and digital communication. Threats, abuse, fake profiles, morphed images, defamatory posts, and repeated online intimidation are no longer ignored by Indian law.
This article explains complete legal remedies available in India under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, including how to file a complaint, police responsibility, and practical legal guidance — with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj (Allahabad).
What is Online Harassment & Cyberbullying?
Online harassment refers to any act of abusing, threatening, intimidating, stalking, or defaming a person using digital platforms such as:
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube)
- WhatsApp, Telegram, emails
- Fake profiles or impersonation
- Posting obscene or morphed content
- Repeated threats or hate messages
Such acts violate a person’s right to dignity, privacy, and safety guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
Applicable Laws in India (BNS + IT Act)
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Under the new criminal law framework, online harassment may attract provisions related to:
- Criminal intimidation
- Defamation
- Stalking (including cyber stalking)
- Intentional insult causing breach of peace
Police can register FIR and investigate cyber offences similar to physical crimes.
2. Information Technology Act, 2000
The IT Act specifically deals with cyber offences, including:
- Publishing or transmitting obscene material
- Identity theft and impersonation
- Violation of privacy
- Unauthorized access to digital data
These provisions empower cyber cells and police authorities to take swift action.
How to File Cyber Crime Complaint or FIR?
A victim of online harassment has multiple legal options:
- File complaint at Cyber Crime Police Station
- Register FIR at local police station
- Online complaint via National Cyber Crime Portal
If police refuse to register FIR, legal remedy is available under the procedure explained here:
👉 Police FIR Procedure in Prayagraj – Legal Guide
Police Duty & Investigation Process
Once a complaint is filed:
- Police must conduct preliminary inquiry
- Digital evidence is collected
- IP addresses, device data, and platform records may be summoned
- Accused persons can be summoned or arrested as per law
Failure of police to act can be challenged legally.
Important Evidence Victims Must Preserve
- Screenshots of messages/posts
- Profile URLs
- Chat backups
- Email headers
- Date and time details
Preserving evidence strengthens the legal case.
Relation with Other Legal Remedies
Cyber harassment cases often overlap with:
Understanding both civil and criminal remedies helps victims take informed action.
Uttar Pradesh & Prayagraj Perspective
In Uttar Pradesh, cyber crime cells operate under district police supervision. Victims in Prayagraj (Allahabad) can approach:
- Local police station
- Cyber Crime Police Station
- Senior police officers for escalation
Courts in UP actively monitor police accountability in cyber cases.
Conclusion
Online harassment and cyberbullying are serious criminal offences under Indian law. Victims should not remain silent and must use legal remedies available under BNS and IT Act. Early legal action not only protects individual rights but also helps maintain digital safety for society.
This article is published for legal awareness and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal solicitation.
Written By:
Uday Singh, Advocate
Practicing Advocate at High Court and District Courts, Uttar Pradesh
