Online complaint lodged by Divya Spandana over internet harassment following the granting of bail to Darshan in the case at hand
In the digital age, the line between freedom of speech and individual safety online is becoming increasingly blurred, especially when it comes to targeted harassment. This is a pressing issue that has been highlighted in India, where public figures, particularly women, are facing an alarming trend of online abuse.
Recent events have brought this issue to the forefront, with the case of Divya Spandana serving as a wake-up call for the need for better laws and stricter enforcement to prevent digital abuse. Spandana, a prominent actor in India, filed a formal police complaint on July 28, 2025, due to the offensive remarks, threats of violence, and derogatory language she received following a post about the Darshan bail case.
The online abuse faced by Spandana underscores the often toxic environment of digital spaces where individuals are subjected to verbal abuse and threats, particularly those in the public eye. This trend is concerning, with social media serving as the primary vehicle for these attacks.
India's legal framework for addressing cyberbullying and online harassment is based on the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with specific provisions for cyberbullying and online abuse. These laws criminalize acts such as sending offensive messages, stalking, defamation, and identity theft. However, the legal framework remains inadequate, and incidents like Spandana's highlight the pressing need for reform.
The challenges in enforcing cybercrime in the Indian judicial system are significant. The legal process struggles to keep pace with the evolving landscape of online harassment, due to factors such as the anonymity and global nature of the internet, limited awareness and training among law enforcement agencies about cybercrimes, slow judicial processes leading to delayed justice, and inadequate preventive measures on social media platforms.
Recent guidance and assistance services have improved victims’ ability to seek redress, but experts advocate for stronger enforcement, platform accountability, and public awareness campaigns to enhance protection for vulnerable public figures, particularly women. The need for better content moderation on social media platforms is also highlighted, showcasing the failure to prevent or swiftly address abusive content.
The role of social media companies in regulating harmful content is questioned, as they continue to allow public figures to be exposed to online vitriol without adequate protection. Moving forward, digital platforms will have to implement more rigorous safeguards to ensure the safety of their users, particularly women in the public eye.
The legal implications of online abuse are emphasized, requiring stronger digital laws for greater protection of victims of cyberbullying. The need for policy reform in India to tackle cyber harassment more effectively is urgent. Legal reforms that provide swift action and better protection against cyberbullying will be key in creating a safer digital space for everyone.
[1] This summary is based on Indian cyber law practices and the 2025 context described in the search result from digilawyer.ai (2025-07-28)
Social media platforms play a significant role in facilitating online abuse, serving as the primary means for digital attacks against public figures like Divya Spandana. In the digital domain, entertainment and social media intertwine, creating an environment that often subjects individuals, particularly women, to verbal abuse and threats.
