Why Rajasthan High Court Banned an Accused From Using Social Media for 3 Years
The Rajasthan High Court has granted bail to a man accused of morphing a minor's photo, provided he abstains from all social media for three years. Justice Ashok Kumar Jain ordered the accused to submit an undertaking, warning that any use of social media - under his name or a fake one - would result in his bail being recalled. The order aims to prevent future digital harassment.
In a significant move aimed at curbing cyber harassment, the Rajasthan High Court has prohibited an accused individual from using social media platforms for a period of three years. The directive was issued by Justice Ashok Kumar Jain while granting bail to the accused, who had been arrested for allegedly circulating a morphed photograph of a minor girl. The case, registered under Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning voyeurism, highlights the judiciary's increasing focus on using restrictive bail conditions to prevent repeat digital offences.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The Court observed that the accused had misused digital platforms, necessitating a firm approach to deter future misconduct. In its order dated July 6, the bench underscored that the ban serves as a corrective measure, stating, "The applicant-accused shall submit an affidavit/undertaking before the trial Court for not using social media platform including facebook, instagram, thread, snapchat etc. for a period of three years and if it is found that the applicant-accused is using any of the social media platform in his own name or any fictitious name then his bail order may be recalled by the trial Court itself." 'Court Cannot Be Used To Settle Personal Scores Between the Parties', Says Rajasthan High Court After Man Files Plea Accusing Wife of Plagiarism in Research, Rejects His Petition.
The order further specifies that if the accused is found utilising any social media platform - either under his own name or through a fictitious identity - the trial court is authorised to immediately recall the bail order.
Legal Context and Background
The accused was arrested on April 2, following a case registered on February 12. During the proceedings, the defence counsel argued that the accused had been falsely implicated and requested bail, noting that he had been in custody since his arrest. The counsel also voluntarily offered that the accused would be willing to abstain from social media if the Court deemed it necessary. Considering the substantial time the accused had already spent in custody and the likelihood that the trial would take time to conclude, the Court granted the bail application while emphasising the stringent prohibition on digital activity. ‘Consensual Teenage Relationships Not a Crime’: Rajasthan High Court Warns Against Misuse of POCSO Act, Says Indiscriminate Use Is Destroying Young Lives.
This decision aligns with a broader trend in Indian courts, where digital restrictions are increasingly being utilised as conditions for bail in cases involving cyber stalking, the dissemination of obscene content, or the harassment of minors. By restricting access to these platforms, the judiciary aims to protect the victim’s well-being and prevent further digital victimisation throughout the duration of the trial.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2026 03:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).