Karnataka Police orders FIR in cases of non-consensual sharing of intimate pictures
MA Saleem | Photo credit: File Photo
The Karnataka Police has issued comprehensive guidelines mandating the registration of FIRs in cases involving unauthorized sharing of private or intimate photos and videos, including cases of revenge pornography, sexual blackmail and online extortion.
In a standing order issued on Monday, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP and IGP), MA Saleem, directed all police officers across the state to act swiftly on complaints related to non-consensual sharing of intimate content and ensure uniform implementation of the law.
The order comes amid concerns that some police stations were refusing or delaying registration of complaints on the basis that victims had initially consented to being photographed or videotaped.
To clarify the legal position, the DGP said that consent to take a picture or video does not mean consent to its publication or dissemination.
The directive cites the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs Union of India, which recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Police officers have been instructed to apply relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000 while registering cases. These include Section 77 of the BNS relating to voyeurism, Section 66E of the Information Technology Act relating to invasion of privacy and Sections 67 and 67A dealing with publication or transmission of obscene and sexually explicit material in electronic form.
The standing order clarifies that FIRs must be registered immediately after receiving a complaint of unauthorized sharing of intimate content, irrespective of whether the victim has previously consented to uploading the material.
In cases where intimate images or videos are used to extort money, sexual favors or other benefits, investigators have been urged to apply relevant provisions relating to extortion and intimidation in addition to cybercrime offences.
The order also reiterates the mandatory registration of zero FIRs if offenses are committed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the police station receiving the complaint. Such cases must then be immediately handed over to the relevant police department, the order read.
To prevent further harm to victims, police have been ordered to coordinate with online platforms and intermediaries to quickly remove or block objectionable content, while preserving digital evidence for investigations and prosecutions.
The DGP also stressed on protecting the identity of the victims and directed the officials to treat the complainants with sensitivity and dignity. Whenever possible, complaints of victims should be recorded by female police officers.
Further, investigating officers have been asked to coordinate with the Cyber Crime Police Stations and CID Cyber Division in technical investigation, account tracing and forensic analysis of digital devices.
Warning against inaction, the DGP said that refusal to register an FIR or unnecessary delays in such cases would be taken seriously and could lead to disciplinary action against the officials concerned.
A standing order has been circulated to all police units across Karnataka for immediate compliance.
Published – 16 Jun 2026 21:39 IST