The Jharkhand High Court on Monday, 11 May expressed serious concern over the online circulation of a video involving a young woman survivor from Dhanbad, pulling up the police machinery for failing to act promptly to curb its spread across digital platforms. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Dhanbad appeared in person before the court in compliance with an earlier judicial direction.

FIR Registered, SSP Appears in Court

The Dhanbad SSP informed the bench that an FIR had been registered on the basis of the survivor's complaint. Taking note of the submission, the division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Sanjay Prasad exempted the SSP from appearing personally in future hearings and posted the matter for further hearing on 11 June.

Court's Sharp Rebuke to Police

Despite the exemption, the bench voiced strong displeasure over the manner in which the police department had handled the matter. The court observed that once the objectionable video began circulating online, immediate and effective steps should have been taken to ensure its prompt removal from social media and other digital platforms.

The bench was also informed during the hearing that the viral video had allegedly originated from Gujarat and not Jharkhand. Even so, the court noted, local police could not remain passive spectators and were duty-bound to coordinate with relevant agencies and cyber authorities to prevent further circulation of the content.

Background: Bail Cancellation Plea and Accused's Conduct

The matter relates to the accused Ravi Saw, who had earlier secured bail from the High Court in a criminal case. Following his release, the survivor approached the court seeking cancellation of his bail, alleging that he had resumed unlawful activities and subjected her to mental harassment by circulating her video online.

The survivor had also submitted a written complaint before the cyber police, alleging misuse and circulation of the video through digital platforms. In an earlier hearing, the High Court had strongly criticised the Dhanbad police for allegedly failing to register an FIR despite the complaint disclosing cognisable offences, and had sought an explanation from the SSP.

Next Steps and Directions

Taking a stern view of the lapse, the High Court directed the Dhanbad SSP to expedite the investigation and file a detailed status report before the next date of hearing on 11 June. Advocate Shailesh Kumar Singh appeared on behalf of the appellant during Monday's proceedings. The case underscores growing judicial scrutiny over law enforcement's response to cyber harassment and the non-consensual circulation of videos involving women survivors.