Voyeurism is a grave violation of an individual’s right to privacy and bodily autonomy. With the rapid proliferation of smartphones, hidden cameras, and social media platforms, incidents of voyeurism have increased alarmingly, particularly targeting women. Indian criminal law recognises voyeurism as a distinct sexual offence, acknowledging the deep psychological trauma and dignity violation suffered by victims.
Recently, a widely shared social media reel highlighting incidents of secret filming and privacy invasion has drawn public attention to how easily voyeurism is committed in everyday spaces such as washrooms, trial rooms, hostels, and private accommodations. The reel underscores how victims often remain unaware that they are being recorded and how such content is later misused or circulated online, causing irreversible harm.
To ensure transparency and public awareness, the embedded reel has been included below for readers’ reference:
(Embedded Instagram Reel by a verified digital news platform highlighting voyeurism and privacy concerns)
This growing digital discourse reflects a larger societal concern and reinforces the urgent need for legal awareness and strict enforcement.
What is Voyeurism?
Voyeurism refers to the act of watching, capturing, or disseminating images or videos of a person engaged in a private act, without their consent, where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Private acts include:
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Using a toilet
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Undressing or bathing
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Engaging in sexual activity
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Any act carried out in circumstances where privacy is reasonably expected
Legal Provision in India:
Section 77, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 ((Earlier Section 354C, Indian Penal Code)
A man commits the offence of voyeurism if he:
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Watches, captures, or records the image of a woman engaging in a private act without her consent; or
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Disseminates such image or recording, even if originally captured with consent, but shared without consent.
Punishment: The offence is cognizable and non-bailable.
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First conviction: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine
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Subsequent conviction: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine
Cyber Crime Point of View
Most modern voyeurism cases involve:
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Hidden cameras in washrooms, hotels, hostels
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Mobile phone recordings in semi-private spaces
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Circulation of intimate videos via social media platforms
Additional legal provisions:
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Section 66E, Information Technology Act, 2000 – Violation of privacy
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Section 67, IT Act – Publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically
In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court unequivocally held that privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Courts have consistently ruled that:
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Consent to recording does not imply consent to sharing
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Digital dissemination constitutes a separate and aggravated offence
Impact on Victims
Voyeurism results in:
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Severe mental and emotional trauma
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Social stigma and reputational harm
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Long-term psychological distress
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Withdrawal from public and professional life
The offence directly undermines dignity, autonomy, and personal safety.
What Should Victims Do?
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Preserve digital evidence immediately
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Report the matter to the nearest Cyber Police Station
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File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
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Seek legal assistance for content removal and prosecution
Conclusion
Voyeurism is not a minor lapse—it is a serious sexual and cyber offence. As digital platforms expand, awareness, prompt reporting, and strict legal action are indispensable to safeguard privacy and dignity.
For more legal updates and cyber crime awareness news, visit: www.crimeindelhi.com
