‘What if she had been my daughter’: Emotional scenes in Madras HC as judge orders removal of woman advocate’s images circulating online

By | July 10, 2025
Madras High Court woman advocate viral images case courtroom hearing

Chennai, July 10, 2025 —
In a moment that left many in the courtroom emotional, the Madras High Court came down heavily on the circulation of altered and defamatory images of a woman advocate on social media. The judge presiding over the case, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, expressed deep anguish and empathy, stating during the hearing, “What if she had been my daughter?”

The heartfelt remark has since sparked a national conversation on digital abuse, women’s safety, and the responsibility of online platforms in protecting user dignity.

The Case That Shocked the Legal Community

The matter came to light when a young woman advocate filed a writ petition after discovering that her personal photos had been digitally morphed and shared online with defamatory content. The manipulated images quickly spread across multiple social media platforms, subjecting her to harassment, shame, and emotional trauma.

Appearing before the bench, the advocate described her mental suffering and the damage to her reputation. Her plea called for immediate court intervention to have the content removed and action initiated against those responsible for its creation and circulation.

Emotional Moments Inside the Courtroom

Justice Venkatesh, known for his progressive rulings on social justice issues, appeared visibly moved as he addressed the matter. Speaking to the state counsel and cyber crime authorities present, he said:

“If we cannot protect the dignity of women in this digital age, we are failing as a society. I asked myself — what if this had happened to my own daughter?”

The judge further noted that women, especially those in public and professional spheres like law, journalism, and activism, are often targeted online simply for occupying space.

The woman advocate reportedly broke down during the hearing. She stated, “I feel unsafe in public and in court. The shame that has followed me because of these images is unbearable. I just want to be able to do my job in peace.”

Court’s Directives: Swift and Clear

Acting without delay, Justice Venkatesh issued a series of strong directives:

  • The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Cell was ordered to coordinate with platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for the immediate removal of all images and associated defamatory content.
  • The platforms were instructed to permanently delete such data from their servers and provide IP logs to assist in tracing the origin of the uploads.
  • The police were directed to identify and arrest those responsible for editing and sharing the content.
  • A status report on compliance and investigation progress must be submitted within two weeks.

The judge added that any delay in response from the tech platforms would be viewed seriously and could lead to contempt proceedings.

A Larger Wake-up Call: Women’s Safety in Digital India

This case, while distressing, is not an isolated incident. Cyber abuse — including image morphing, doxxing, and harassment — has become increasingly common. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, cases of cybercrime against women rose by over 20% in 2024 alone.

Legal professionals have expressed concern over the growing trend. Advocate Anjali Raghavan, who was present in court, commented:

“This is not just a personal attack; it’s an attack on every woman who dares to speak, to lead, or to be visible. The court’s stand today has given us some hope.”

Accountability of Social Media Platforms

Justice Venkatesh also criticized the lack of prompt action by major social media companies. “Their takedown mechanisms are slow, opaque, and often ineffective when it matters most,” he said. “There is a corporate responsibility to act swiftly when someone’s dignity is under attack.”

The court has asked the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to explore policy amendments that would allow faster intervention in such sensitive cases and impose strict liability on platforms for delay.

Need for Awareness and Policy Reform

The court urged the state government to initiate awareness drives in law colleges and professional institutions. Justice Venkatesh highlighted the need for education around digital rights, cyber safety, and the legal recourse available to women.

He also recommended integrating cyber law modules into the curriculum of legal education and suggested that professional bar associations conduct sensitization workshops on gender and digital ethics.

A Moment of Empathy, A Call for Action

The judge’s deeply personal reflection — “What if she had been my daughter?” — resonated across the legal community and beyond. It reminded many that justice is not just about law; it’s also about human dignity, compassion, and timely intervention.

As the investigation continues and the tech platforms comply with the takedown orders, this case is expected to set a strong precedent for handling cyber harassment against professionals, especially women.

The message is clear: online spaces must not become arenas for gendered violence and digital persecution. With courts now stepping in decisively, the fight for a safer digital environment gets a significant boost.