Gujarat High Court Imposes ₹25K Costs On Man Who Uploaded Wife's Obscene Pictures On Social Media

The Gujarat High Court while closing a case against a man who allegedly uploaded his wife's obscene language on social media, based on a settlement, imposed costs of ₹25 k on him for his act.

The Court was considering an Application seeking quashing of the case registered for the offences under Sections 66(e) and 67 of the Information Technology Act, read with Sections 351(2) and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Bench of Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar observed, "....though dispute is settled between the parties but considering the conduct of the petitioner being husband has sought obscene photographs of his wife and not only that he even viral the said photographs on social media, a cost of Rs.25,000/- is imposed upon the petitioner."

The Applicant was represented by Advocate KT Beladiya, while the Respondent was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Manan Maheta.

Counsels for the respective parties submitted that during the pendency of the proceedings, the parties have settled the dispute amicably.

The Court, after considering the submissions and referring to the Supreme Court's precedents, ruled that no purpose would be served and there is a bleak chance of conviction, and the continuation of criminal proceedings against the Petitioner in relation to the impugned FIR would only cause unnecessary harassment to the Petitioner.

"Further, the continuance of trial pursuant to the mutual settlement arrived at between the parties would be a futile exercise. Hence, to secure the ends of justice, it would be appropriate to quash and set aside the impugned FIR and all consequential proceedings initiated in pursuance thereof under Section 528 of the Cr.P.C.", the Court observed.

The Application was accordingly allowed.

Cause Title: Sahdev Ranchodbhai Brahman vs. State of Gujarat & Anr.

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