Introduction
Crimes against women are increasing day by day. Every day the newspapers are filled with brutalities against women. Rapes, domestic violence, dowry deaths etc. have now become common headlines. However, there is a rise of another shameful felony against women. This is nothing other than “Voyeurism”. With the growing technology and online platforms, connectivity has become manifold. But this technology has now started to cob a web for another crime of the new world.
According to the report of the National Crimes Record Bureau 2019, there were 2419 cases of voyeurism. It increased from 1393 in 2018 to 2419 cases of voyeurism in 2019. The cases were the maximum recorded in Maharashtra followed by Delhi. However, only 144 complaints were filed in the National Commission for Women.
In the present times, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, everyone and everything can be found on the internet. This, however, also led to the need for the establishment of an adequate law to deal with the legal loopholes of the technological era. Due to these circumstances, the IT (INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACT), 2000 came into existence which deals with numerous cybercrimes.
The recent incident that took place at Chandigarh University is one such example of Voyeurism.
Sexual Deviance
Indian Voyeurism is a form of sexual deviance that has been documented throughout history. However, it has become easier to engage in this behavior with the advent of technology. In India, it is now common for people to use smartphones to secretly record videos and take photos of unsuspecting victims. These images are then shared on social media platforms, messaging apps, or sold for profit.
There are several reasons why voyeurism has become more prevalent in India. One reason is the widespread availability of smartphones with high-quality cameras. Many people use these devices to take photos and videos of themselves and others, often without considering the implications of their actions. This technology also allows for easy sharing of voyeuristic content, which can lead to an increase in the number of people who engage in this behavior.
Voyeuristic Disorder
Another reason for the rise of voyeurism in India is the lack of awareness about the seriousness of the crime. Many people do not consider voyeurism a serious offense and view it as harmless fun. However, the act of secretly recording or photographing someone without their consent is a violation of their privacy and can have serious consequences.
The impact of voyeurism on society is far-reaching. It can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and a loss of trust in others. Victims may feel violated and powerless, and their sense of security and privacy may be compromised. For women in particular, the threat of voyeurism can be especially daunting. The proliferation of voyeuristic content online can also contribute to a culture of objectification and exploitation of women.
Constitutional Provisions
There are several potential solutions to address the problem of Voyeurism India. One solution is to increase awareness about the severity of the crime and the impact it has on victims. This can be done through education campaigns in schools, public service announcements, and community outreach programs.
Another solution is to strengthen laws and increase penalties for those who engage in voyeuristic behavior. The Indian Penal Code criminalizes voyeurism and imposes a prison term of up to three years and a fine for offenders. However, the enforcement of these laws can be weak, and offenders may not be held accountable for their actions. Strengthening these laws and increasing penalties can serve as a deterrent and help to reduce the prevalence of voyeurism.
Finally, technology can also be used to combat voyeurism. For example, apps can be developed that can detect and alert users when someone is attempting to record them without their consent. These apps can also provide users with resources and support if they become victims of voyeurism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, voyeurism is a growing problem in India that has serious consequences for victims and society as a whole. The widespread availability of technology has made it easier for people to engage in voyeuristic behavior, and the lack of awareness about the severity of the crime has contributed to its prevalence. Increasing awareness, strengthening laws, and using technology to combat voyeurism are potential solutions that can help to reduce the prevalence of this behavior and protect victims’ privacy and security.
