Dignity and modesty of a woman must be protected from all forms of defamation.
The complainant – woman working as an employee in the government department had given her mobile number to the officers. However, she was getting unexpected calls at odd hours from various numbers and also threats to her life. On inquiry, it was found that her mobile number was displayed on the walls of gents toilet as “a call girl” at a public place.
A complaint against unknown persons was registered. The investigation led to the accused. The complainant had given her mobile number to another friend and colleague who had given the same to the petitioner for writing it on the walls. The confessional statement shows that the said writing was due to resentment against the complainant due to a squabble with her.
HELD, while dismissing the petition, that any scatological or salacious statements made against a woman either by gesture, writing or speaking, would undoubtedly amount to insulting a modesty of a woman. In today’s digital age, one need not cause physical harm, a woman’s modesty can be railroaded by sheer circulation of pejorative statements, pictures, or videos in the social media. It is, therefore, when such cases are projected before this Court seeking quashment, it should not be interfered with but be dealt with a stern manner.
The petitioner has indulged in one of the ingredients of such insult by fresco or a writing on the wall. He, therefore, cannot get away with making such belittling comments on a woman in public.
Order dated 4.6.2024 of the Karnataka High Court in Criminal Petition No.1995 of 2022.
