Threatening

Dear Client,
Any derogatory or arbitrary statements or posts on Facebook and other social media platforms come under cyber defamation that invokes Section 499 of IPC. Once such statements affect any community or group of people and they raise their voices against the statements posted on social media/platforms you may face legal consequences until and unless you apologize accepting your unintentional misstatements and recalling it unconditionally on social media, such kind of threats or harassment may continue. In the given scenario, you can lodge a complaint or FIR against the abusers for blackmailing and criminal intimidation at the local police station under Sections 308 and 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS). you can also file a petition praying for an Order of Protection in the City Civil Court or District Court. A Protective Order is a civil court order that is designed to stop violent and harassing behavior and to protect you from the abuser whose attitude or behavior appears to be life-threatening. There are two types of Protective Orders available for you. 1. Emergency Order of Protection (Ex Parte Emergency Order of Protection) - The Petition for Protective Order must clearly show that an act of abuse or threatening has occurred, 2. Regular Order of Protection (Non-emergency). There are no fees for filing a Protective Order. You do not need an Advocate to file for a Protective Order. However, if you wish, you can hire the service of an Advocate to represent you suitably before the Court to obtain a protective order. At the Show Cause hearing, you have to show and prove by adducing substantial evidence why you need the Protective Order. Further, be informed that Article 51(A) of the Constitution of India makes it a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to respect and have compassion for all forms of life including animals. You can seek help from NGO's who render dedicated service for animal welfare to resolve the issue.

Dear client,

I understand the stress you're going through, especially during pregnancy, and this situation can indeed be classified as online harassment and cyberbullying, which is illegal. Here's how you can take legal action:

1. File a Police Complaint
Cyber Crime Complaint: Since the harassment is happening online, you can file a cybercrime complaint either online or by visiting the nearest cyber cell police station. Include all the details, such as:
Screenshots of the threats and harassment.
The names or profiles of the people involved.
Links to the posts or social media conversations where the threats and harassment occurred.
Sections under IPC and IT Act:
Section 506 IPC: Criminal intimidation for the threats issued against you.
Section 509 IPC: Insult to modesty, which could be applicable if any gender-based insults were involved.
Section 67 IT Act: Sending offensive messages electronically.
2. Approach the Women's Commission
Given that you are 8 months pregnant and facing mental harassment, you can also file a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) or your state's women's commission. They take such complaints seriously and can offer immediate assistance and protection.
3. File a Defamation Case
If the harassment continues to affect your reputation, you can consider filing a defamation case under Section 499 and 500 of the IPC. This would hold the people harassing you accountable for damaging your reputation.
4. Send a Legal Notice
You can also send a legal notice to the individuals or group involved, warning them to stop harassing you or face legal consequences. This can often help stop the harassment without further escalation.
5. Protection for Pregnancy
Since you're pregnant, mention this fact clearly in your complaints. If the harassment is causing undue stress and affecting your health, it may give weight to your case as the threats could be endangering both you and your child.
You can also include this as part of your complaint under Section 506 of the IPC (criminal intimidation), as mental and physical harm can be construed as part of the harassment.
Steps to Follow:
Gather Evidence: Collect all messages, threats, and posts that prove the harassment.
Draft a Complaint: You can file an FIR at the nearest police station or directly at the cyber cell. Make sure to include all relevant details of the harassment, threats, and how it’s affecting your mental health.
File with the Women’s Commission: This can bring faster relief, and they may take direct action to help ensure your safety.
Immediate Relief:
If you feel your safety is at risk, you may also request the police to provide immediate protection or issue a restraining order against the people harassing you.