Madras High Court directs police to seek removal of alleged obscene images from social media within 24 hours

The petitioner alleged that respondents 5–7 circulated defamatory statements and an obscene video on social media, falsely identifying the person shown as the petitioner.

She lodged a complaint, following which Crime No. 32 of 2026 was registered against the alleged conduct under Sections 69, 77, 318(2), 356 and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, read with Sections 66E and 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Alleging inaction, she sought a direction for investigation and removal of the material.

The State submitted that the investigation was ongoing and that removal steps could be taken upon receipt of details of the relevant social-media content.

1. Whether the police should be directed to investigate the complaint and take appropriate steps concerning the alleged circulation of intimate or obscene material.

2. Whether the authorities should take steps, in accordance with law, to secure removal or restriction of access to the alleged material and protect the petitioner’s privacy and dignity.

Article 21 of the Constitution protects an individual’s right to privacy and dignity; unauthorised publication or circulation of obscene or intimate images may attract penal consequences under applicable law, and social-media circulation may cause continuing harm requiring prompt and sensitive attention by law-enforcement authorities.

The FIR invoked Sections 69, 77, 318(2), 356 and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, read with Sections 66E and 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The Court did not interpret these provisions individually or cite any precedent; it required the authorities to act in accordance with applicable law and procedure.

Given the allegations of unauthorised circulation of intimate material and the potential for continuing harm, the Court considered that the complaint required expeditious treatment and could not be treated merely as a private dispute.

It directed the police to investigate, identify relevant accounts and URLs, preserve electronic evidence, and examine the role of the named respondents and any other persons involved.

Removal or restriction of access was to be pursued through the intermediaries and in accordance with law and procedure; the Court also required safeguards against unnecessary disclosure or circulation of the material during the investigation.

The police were directed to take lawful steps to have the concerned intermediaries disable access to, remove, or restrict circulation of the alleged obscene photographs within 24 hours of receiving a copy of the order.

The petitioner’s identity, privacy and dignity were to be protected, and the matter was listed for reporting compliance on 27 October 2026.