CYBER MISOGYNY AND TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE ON LAW, GENDER, AND DIGITAL SOCIETY

Abstract

The expansion of digital communication in India has created new opportunities for women's participation in public life while also intensifying gendered forms of online abuse. Cyber misogyny and technologyfacilitated violence against women encompass practices such as gender-based harassment, cyber stalking, doxxing, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, and sexually abusive synthetic media. These practices can extend beyond individual incidents to affect privacy, psychological well-being, professional participation, and democratic expression. This article examines the relationship between gendered digital violence and the Indian legal system through an interdisciplinary analysis of feminist legal theory, digital inequality, constitutional dignity, and technology governance. It critically evaluates the constitutional protections, Information Technology Act, 2000, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and relevant intermediary obligations, with particular attention to the challenges of reporting, digital evidence, platform accountability, and emerging artificial intelligence-enabled abuse. The study adopts a qualitative documentary and doctrinal research methodology, drawing on legislation, judicial decisions, government publications, and scholarly literature. It argues that the effectiveness of legal protection depends not only on the existence of criminal provisions but also on accessible reporting mechanisms, gender-sensitive investigation, reliable evidence preservation, and accountable platform governance. The article proposes a coordinated approach that strengthens institutional capacity while protecting freedom of expression and avoiding excessive restrictions on legitimate online speech.