Jahanvi Agarwal
In a recent ruling, Justice Ajay Bhanot of the Allahabad High Court ordered that its registry must seek court’s permission before accepting photographs that depict private moments of parties involved in legal proceedings.
The Bench emphasized that such photographs invade privacy and can be traumatic for individuals. Justice Bhanot directed, “No private photographs or any indecent photographs shall be accepted by the registry without leave of the Court.”
This directive came after the Court observed that certain private photographs were attached to a rejoinder affidavit filed in connection with a bail application in a rape case. The accused, seeking bail after being in custody since November 23, 2023, claimed that the rape case arose from a consensual relationship that soured.
“The applicant never captured any indecent photographs or videos of the victim nor had circulated the same. No indecent photographs or videos of the victim have been recovered from the applicant,” the accused’s counsel informed the Court. Considering these submissions, the Court granted bail to the applicant.
Case Name: Pradumn Gond v. State of Uttar Pradesh
Dairy Number: 6004/2024
Bench: Justice Ajay Bhanot