New Delhi: In a powerful judgment that prioritizes the safety and dignity of children online, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court has upheld the conviction of a man found guilty of cyberbullying a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The case, which dates back to 2016, involved the accused sending morphed nude images and threatening WhatsApp messages to the minor.
The child received digitally altered images with her face edited onto explicit photos, along with threats to share them publicly unless she gave in to the sender’s demands. Traumatized and scared, the brave young girl spoke up — setting in motion a legal process that would take years, but end in justice.
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Thanks to digital forensics and mobile data tracing, investigators found the accused’s phone, which contained the same morphed images sent to the victim. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the data was a match, leading to a solid case in court.
The Delhi High Court confirmed the conviction under multiple laws — including the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for stalking and intimidation, the POCSO Act for sexual harassment of a minor, and the IT Act for sharing explicit content involving a child. The accused will serve up to 5 years in prison.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made it clear: “Cyberbullying may be silent but is mentally traumatic. A child’s safety and dignity must be protected online just as in physical spaces.”
This case is a wake-up call for parents, schools, and digital platforms. It shows that online threats are real, but justice is possible. It also highlights the power of speaking up, even when it’s hard.
Children deserve to feel safe everywhere including the internet. And now, the law stands firmly with them.