Karnataka Police Mandate Immediate FIRs For Non Consensual Sharing Of Intimate Media

On June 17, 2026, the Karnataka police department in Bengaluru issued a statewide standing order making the registration of First Information Reports mandatory in all cases involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos. The directive clarifies that a person's consent to be photographed or recorded does not grant permission or a licence to share that content.

The order, issued by Director General and Inspector General of Police MA Saleem, addresses growing concerns that police stations were delaying or turning away complaints because the intimate media had originally been filmed or photographed voluntarily. Under the new guidelines, criminal liability is determined by the act of unauthorised sharing, regardless of how the content was initially created.

This statewide directive establishes a uniform, zero-tolerance framework targeting cybercrimes such as revenge pornography, sextortion, and online blackmail. Desk officers at all police stations are now required to immediately register an FIR upon receiving any complaint involving leaked intimate media or threats associated with such material.

To protect victims from further stigma and harassment, the directive instructs police stations to safeguard the identities of complainants during investigations. Investigating officers must also take swift action to preserve electronic evidence and coordinate with online intermediaries to block or remove the offending media.

In instances where leaked images or videos are used to extort money, sexual favours, or other benefits, the police must apply extortion and criminal intimidation charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023 alongside relevant sections of the Information Technology Act-2000.

Furthermore, the standing order mandates that statements from women victims should be recorded by female police officers whenever possible. Police stations must also register zero FIRs for incidents occurring outside their jurisdiction before transferring the cases to the appropriate station.