Shilpi Nama
On 2nd June, 2025, the Allahabad High Court brought attention to the growing threats and serious consequences associated with digital crimes. While hearing a bail application, the Court expressed serious concerns about the increasing misuse of technology, particularly the non-consensual sharing of private images on social media.
The case involved a man arrested in January 2025 for allegedly circulating a woman’s indecent photos through WhatsApp. After the trial court denied his bail in April, he approached the High Court for relief. The High Court carefully reviewed the case, noting the severity of the allegations and the impact of such crimes on victims. The Court’s observations underscored the evolving nature of crime in the digital age and the urgent need to protect individuals from such violations.
Justice Ajay Bhanot, who presided over the matter, emphasized the alarming impact of technology-enabled crimes. The Court observed that the rise of digital platforms has transformed the nature and reach of criminal behavior. The judge remarked that digital technology is changing the nature of crime, and when indecent images of individuals are shared publicly on social media, it can have devastating effects. He emphasized that this harsh reality causes significant emotional and social damage to the victims.
While reviewing the case, the Court noted that certain incriminating images were recovered from the accused’s possession and were under forensic examination. Citing the seriousness of the allegations, the Court ruled that bail could not be granted at this stage.
“The FSL report is awaited. The offence is grave. There is likelihood that the applicant had committed the offence. At this stage, no case for bail is made out,” the Court held.
However, in the interest of justice, the Court directed that the trial be expedited. It underlined the duty of the trial court to ensure the rights of all parties are protected while also ensuring the smooth and timely conduct of proceedings.
“The Trial Court has also to be conscious of the rights of the accused persons and is under obligation of law to ensure that all expeditious, necessary and coercive measures as per law are adopted to ensure the presence of witnesses,” the Court stated.
To prevent unnecessary delays, the Court warned against procedural obstructions.
“Counsels or parties who delay or impede the proceedings should not only be discouraged from doing so but in appropriate cases exemplary costs should also be imposed,” It added.
The Court also instructed the District Judge to monitor the trial’s progress closely, requiring weekly and fortnightly reports to ensure accountability and compliance with its directives.
Case Name: Ramdev v. State of UP
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. – 19176 of 2025
Bench: Justice Ajay Bhanot
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