A Study on Legal Framework Governing Cyber-Crimes against Women in India

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has significantly transformed communication and social interaction, but it has also increased the vulnerability of women to cybercrimes such as cyberstalking, online harassment, identity theft, voyeurism, defamation, and non-consensual dissemination of private content. This study examines the legal framework governing the protection of women in cyberspace in India by analyzing constitutional safeguards, the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant protective legislations. It highlights the role of constitutional principles such as equality, dignity, privacy, and personal liberty in shaping laws against cyber offences. The study further evaluates intermediary liability and the regulatory responsibilities of digital platforms under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. While India has developed multiple legal mechanisms to address cybercrimes, significant gaps remain in enforcement, awareness, jurisdiction, technological adaptation, and gender-specific protection. The research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and technologically responsive legal framework to effectively combat Cybercrimes against women and ensure a safer digital environment that upholds women’s rights, dignity, and security.