Cyber Crime Against Women In India: The Gap Between Legal Protection And Effective Enforcement
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
M. Vanitha, B.Com (CA), LL.B., S. Thangapazham Law College, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Tamilnadu.
K. Rajesh Kumar, B.Com. ML., (Ph.D), Faculty of Law, S. Thangapazham Law College, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Tamilnadu.
1. ABSTRACT
Cybercrime against women has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in India’s digital era. The rapid growth of internet usage, social media platforms, and digital communication has significantly increased opportunities for cyber offenders to target women through cyberstalking, online harassment, identity theft, cyberbullying, revenge pornography, sextortion, online defamation, and financial fraud. Although India has established a legal framework through the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and various provisions relating to electronic evidence and cyber offences, the effectiveness of these laws remains limited due to gaps in enforcement. Delayed investigations, inadequate cyber forensic infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, jurisdictional challenges, underreporting of offences, and low public awareness continue to hinder the delivery of justice.
This study critically examines the gap between legal protection and effective enforcement in addressing cybercrime against women in India. It analyses the existing legislative framework, the role of law enforcement agencies, judicial responses, and institutional mechanisms for victim protection. The research further explores the socio-cultural factors that discourage women from reporting cybercrimes, including fear of social stigma, victim blaming, privacy concerns, and lack of confidence in the criminal justice system. By reviewing recent legal developments, judicial decisions, government initiatives, and empirical studies, the paper identifies key weaknesses in the current enforcement process and evaluates their impact on victims’ access to justice.
The study concludes that while India possesses a reasonably comprehensive legal framework to combat cybercrime against women, the primary challenge lies in its effective implementation. Strengthening cyber policing, improving digital forensic capabilities, enhancing inter-agency coordination, promoting legal awareness, encouraging timely reporting, and adopting victim-centred approaches are essential to bridge the gap between law and enforcement. A holistic strategy integrating legal reforms, technological advancements, institutional capacity building, and public awareness is necessary to ensure meaningful protection of women’s digital rights and online safety in India.
Keywords: Cyber Crime, Women, Cyber Stalking, Online Harassment, Cyber Sexual Abuse, Information Technology Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Digital Evidence, Privacy, Cyber Security.
