14, June 2026

Revenge Porn in India: A Critical Analysis of Legal Framework, Privacy Rights and Victim Protection

VOLUME-12; ISSUE-6; JUNE-2026

Author(s): 1. Miss Gargi Choudhari, 2. Mrs. Reecha Parakh

Authors Affiliations:

  1. LL.M. Student & Research Scholar, Govt. State Level P.G. Law College Bhopal; 2. Assistant Professor of Law, Govt. State Level P.G. Law College Bhopal.

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202606012     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202606012


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Abstract: The growing expansion of digital communication and social networking platforms hassignificantly reshaped cybercrime patterns, particularly offences involving privacy violations and online sexual exploitation. One of the most alarming forms of image-based sexual abuse is revenge pornography, which involves the unauthorised sharing intimate images or videos with the intention of humiliating, threatening, or harassing the victim. The issue has emerged as a major challenge to privacy, dignity, and gender justice in India. This research paper critically analyses the legal framework governing revenge pornography in India under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, constitutional privacy jurisprudence, and intermediary liability rules. The study follows doctrinal and analytical research methodology by examining statutes, judicial decisions, scholarly writings, and comparative international approaches. It analyses the constitutional dimensions of privacy, dignity, and autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and evaluates the adequacy of existing laws in protecting victims of image-based sexual abuse. The paper further highlights enforcement challenges, procedural barriers, lack of cyber awareness, and the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies. The paper concludes that although Indian courts have increasingly recognised informational privacy and digital dignity, the existing legal framework remains scattered and insufficient to effectively combat revenge pornography. The paper recommends comprehensive victim-centric legislation, specialised cybercrime mechanisms, rapid takedown procedures, stronger intermediary accountability, and digital awareness initiatives to ensure effective protection of victims and digital sphere in India.  
Key Words: Revenge Porn, Cyber Crime, Privacy Rights, Image-Based Sexual Abuse, Cyber Law, Women, Digital Privacy, Victim Protection, Gender Justice.

Miss Gargi Choudhari,  Mrs. Reecha Parakh (2026); Revenge Porn in India: A Critical Analysis of Legal Framework, Privacy Rights and Victim Protection, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-6, Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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