Madras High Court Mandates SOP for Removal of Non-Consensual Intimate Images Under IT Rules

In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening the protection of digital dignity, the Madras High Court has formally disposed of a writ petition filed by a survivor of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) dissemination, while simultaneously ushering in a robust, systemic mechanism for all victims of such digital crimes. Presiding Judge M. Dhandapani emphasized that the state must ensure victims are not forced to endure repeated litigation to claim their right to privacy and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

From Individual Redress to Systemic Reform

The case, X vs. The Union of India (W.P. No. 25017 of 2025) , began as an individual struggle to remove offensive content proliferating across digital platforms. Recognizing the severity of the violation, the High Court expanded the scope of the proceedings beyond the petitioner’s specific grievance. During the deliberation process, the Court directed the Union of India to formulate comprehensive guidelines to address the "mushrooming" of offensive material.

This culminated in the filing of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 .

How the New Mechanism Functions

The court-mandated SOP provides a clear, multi-modal pathway for victims to seek relief: * Direct Reporting: Victims can report NCII content directly to intermediaries, national cybercrime bodies, or local law enforcement. * Centralized Access: Access to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is facilitated through the official website ( www.cybercrime.gov.in ) or by dialing the national helpline 1930. * Accountability: The SOP mandates that upon receiving a complaint, respective authorities must ensure the offensive content is blocked or deleted, preventing its re-emergence.

Key Observations

The judgment underscores the judiciary’s role in guarding the intangible yet essential right to personal dignity:

> "It is therefore clear that the SOP, which has been framed, has taken into consideration the contingent situation of the victims and provided choices of approach to the victims... which this court hopes and trusts, will be scrupulously followed by the various entities."

Reflecting on the duty of the state, Justice Dhandapani further noted:

> "The respondents shall ensure that as and when any of the victims approach them under the SOP, diligent steps shall be taken by the respondents to alleviate the grievance of the victims, without forcing them or pushing them to resort to legal remedies as the dignity of women and children as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India is safeguarded."

The Road Ahead

The High Court has explicitly directed the Union to maximize public awareness regarding the new SOP through both print and electronic media. By establishing these clear channels, the Court aims to eliminate the "wound that had already been inflicted" by ensuring that future victims of digital harassment do not face the repetitive trauma of searching for legal recourse.

With the specific content involving the petitioner successfully blocked and a permanent institutional response now in place, the Court concluded the proceedings, tasking the authorities with the scrupulous implementation of these life-saving procedures.