THE LAWWAY WITH LAWYERS JOURNAL
VOLUME:-7 ISSUE NO:- 7 , FEBRURY 20, 2024
ISSN (ONLINE):- 2584-1106
Website: www.the lawway with lawyers.com
Email: thelawwaywithelawyers@gmail.com
Cyber Crimes Against Women: An Indian Law Perspective
Authors: Karnika Seth
Book Reviewed by Mr. Radha Ranjan
This book is written keeping in view the Indian Perspective. The author has written this book spanning over five chapters. It is been highlighted increased cyber-crimes is taking place in the country due to lack of awareness of different cybercrimes in the country. This aims to give a legal perspective in combating cybercrimes in India by analysing the different legal provisions prevalent. The book is written by Dr. Karnika Seth who is a renowned cyber lawyer and is a founding partner at Seth and Law Associates which is a law firm in New Delhi. The bifurcation of chapters is stated as below:
Chapter 1: Introduction: The author gives a bird’s eye view of various legislations which are useful in combating the crimes against women under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Information Technology Act, 2000, POSH Act, 2013, etc. It is said women are more vulnerable in becoming victims of cybercrime. The objective of committing cyber-crimes has been amalgamation of various factors: financial gain, sexual exploitation, and illegal gain.
Chapter 2: Different Cybercrimes targeting women: The author has made different categories of various cyber-crimes such as Hate speech, harassment on social media, Voyeurism, cyberstalking, transmitting of obscene material, cyber defamation, morphing, virtual rape, Revenge porn, etc. Their respective legislative provisions and their penalties are highlighted.
Chapter 3: Cyber-crimes against girl child: This chapter primarily deals with cyber-crimes against girl child, whereas the previous deals with women. Various provisions have been dealt with, i.e. Section 67B of the IT Act, 2000, etc. New cybercrimes have been dealt with such as sexting, online grooming and cyberbullying. Various International Conventions have been dealt with such as Convention on Rights of Child and CEDAW.
Chapter 4: Case Studies on cybercrimes against women on India: The author has dealt with various case laws and case studies pertaining to cybercrimes against women with special reference to India. The following statutes have been dealt with, i.e. Indian Penal Code, 1860, Information Technology Act, 2000, Protection of Child from Sexual offences, 2012, etc.
Chapter 5: Legal remedies to protect women against the cybercrime: The author intends to provide productive suggestions as to how to tackle the menace of cybercrimes against women. Legal remedies have been put forth by the author if a person is a victim of cybercrime.
RESEARCH GAP AND PATH BREAKING INNOVATIVE RESEARH
There are several research gaps presently in this book which is stated as below:
- The author hasn’t done a comparative analysis with various countries in order to provide holistic understanding of this subject.
- Really less scholarly or secondary sources of data has been referred to in understanding the nuances of cybercrime.
- Only few conventions have been cited such as CEDAW and CRC.
- Whereas the gap remains the author hasn’t mentioned about the Budapest Convention which is also called the Convention of Cybercrime doesn’t find its place within the book.
- The cybercrimes mentioned in the book is limited, there are other cybercrimes which haven’t been discussed in detail since the cyberspace is dynamic and evolving.
In “Cybercrimes Against Women: An Indian Law Perspective,” Karnika Seth provides an incisive and captivating examination of the particular difficulties encountered by women in the digital sphere in light of Indian law. By carefully analysing legislative frameworks, case studies, and social norms, the author provides a thorough analysis of the nuances related to women being victimised online in India.
Furthermore, Seth’s investigation on the sociocultural elements influencing cybervictimization offers insightful information about the underlying causes of gender-based cyberviolence. She contributes to our knowledge of the underlying societal injustices that support online harassment, cyberstalking, revenge porn, and other kinds of digital abuse against women by placing cybercrimes within larger gender dynamics and power systems.
The book also emphasises the significance of multifaceted strategies that include cultural activities, technology advancements, and legislative changes in order to effectively tackle cybercrimes against women. Seth is a promoter of a multifaceted approach that emphasises victim assistance, education, and prevention in addition to the penal parts of cybercrime.
In the fields of gender studies and cyber law, “Cyber Crimes Against Women: An Indian Law Perspective” is regarded as a classic. For legislators, lawyers, academics, and activists promoting gender equality and digital justice in India and beyond, Seth’s meticulous research and her sophisticated comprehension of social dynamics and legal complexity make this book a must-read. Seth’s work is an important and relevant resource for directing future research, policy, and advocacy efforts in this crucial topic of women’s safety and inclusion in digital environments.
Mr. Radha Ranjan
B.A. L.L.B. L.L.M Ph.D.
Doctoral Research Scholar, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya (NAAC Accredited A++)
(UGC-NET Law and Criminology Qualified)
LL.M: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
LL.B.: Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Residential Diploma in Client Satisfaction: Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
BA (Hons.) in Spanish Language: The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad