Introduction
For decades, popular entertainment—television shows, films, daily soaps and now web series—has normalised behaviours that the law clearly recognises as harassment. Yet on screen, the same acts are glorified as love. Male characters who stalk, follow, manipulate, monitor or emotionally pressure women are celebrated as passionate heroes. Their obsession is termed as devotion, and their refusal to respect boundaries is rewarded with the heroine’s eventual acceptance.
When the woman finally gives in and says yes, the storyline sells it as true love. But behind this familiar storyline lies a far more dangerous message: that harassment is love, that coercion is affection, and that consent is not a firm decision but something that can be worn down. This idealised version blurs a line that should never be blurred—between love and harassment.
This problem is not just cultural; it is deeply social and legal. What appears harmless on-screen fuels harmful attitudes in reality, where a clear no is misinterpreted as a future yes. And the impact is most severe on teenagers and young girls who are still learning what love, respect and boundaries look like. Constant exposure to such portrayals can desensitise them, reduce the seriousness of these offences in their minds, and normalise behaviour that the law is designed to punish.
Legal Provisions
What appears soft, protective, or romantic on screen is often the very behaviour that Indian law defines as harassment. The difference between fiction and reality is clear: these acts are not love—they are crimes. The legal framework powerfully safeguards women through the following provisions
1. Section 354D – Stalking (IPC):
This section deals with any man who follows, contacts, or monitors a woman repeatedly without her consent, causing fear or annoyance. It applies both online and offline, and the punishment increases for repeated offences.
Example: Many dramas show a man following a woman everywhere, messaging her constantly, or appearing outside her house, which is often portrayed as passionate love. In reality, this behavior qualifies as stalking under Section 354D IPC.
2. Section 354A – Sexual Harassment (IPC):
This section covers acts of unwelcome physical contact, sexual remarks, requests for sexual Favors, or showing pornography to a woman against her will. It includes verbal, physical, and digital forms of harassment.
Example: Men often make sexually colored remarks to a woman in public or send inappropriate photos/messages online. These acts constitute sexual harassment under Section 354A IPC.
3. Section 509 – Word, Gesture or Act Intended to Insult the Modesty of a Woman (IPC):
It punishes any word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman or intrude upon her privacy, whether spoken, written, or acted physically.
Example: In dramas, men are shown coming close to a woman and making lewd gestures or comments while trying to talk to her. Such acts fall under Section 509 IPC, as they are intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
4. Section 506 – Criminal Intimidation (IPC):
This section applies when someone threatens a woman with harm, injury, or damage to her reputation or property to coerce or cause alarm. Threats can be made in person or online.
Example: Some storylines show men threatening a woman that they will harm her reputation if she refuses to talk to or entertain them. This constitutes criminal intimidation under Section 506 IPC.
5. Section 66D – Cheating by Personation Using Computer Resources (IT Act):
This section punishes impersonation or fraud online, where someone uses computer resources to deceive or harass another person. It covers fake profiles, identity misuse, and digital deception.
Example: In certain plots, a man may create a fake profile of a girl or her relative online to contact or deceive her. This qualifies as cheating by personation under Section 66D of the IT Act.
Constitutional Provisions
These things also affect the fundamental and very basic rights of women, which must be protected for them to have a peaceful and successful life, so they don’t have to think again and again before doing something or feel scared of the world. To ensure these protections, the Constitution of India provides clear safeguards that uphold women’s equality, freedom, and personal liberty
Article 14, guarantees that every person is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection under it. women have the right to equal protection, and tolerance of harassment undermines access to public spaces.
Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(d). These articles protect a woman’s right to express herself freely and move about safely. Stalking, intimidation, or harassment restricts her participation in public life, curtailing her freedom to speak, travel, and engage socially.
Article 21 grants a person the right to life and personal liberty. It is really curtailed when their privacy is intruded upon. In the Puttaswamy case (2017), it was clarified that privacy includes autonomy over 1’s body, dignity, and the right to live a peaceful life.
Legal Remedies
Knowing the law is important, but taking action is equally vital—here are the key legal remedies available to women facing harassment.
- Collecting evidence – preserve all proof, including screenshot chat logs call records and time stamps. These are important for any legal action.
- Filing a complaint at the police station – Lodge A complaint at the local police station, or they can file an E-FIR. Many offences are cognizable, it means police can investigate without prior approval of a magistrate.
- National Cyber Reporting Portal – cyber-related offenses file a complaint on this portal, which is particularly supportive of women and children.
- State Women’s Commission – Submit complaints with evidence to the State Women’s Commission for further action and support remedies
- For minors – Minors facing harassment or sexual offences under POCSO can call Helpline 1098 for counselling and advice. They can also approach legal aid cells under the District Legal Service Authority for free legal guidance.
Social Impact
While legal remedies provide women with tools to protect themselves, it is equally important to recognise the broader social implications of harassment and media portrayals, which continue to shape attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions in society.
- Media shapes social values
Media shape social values, norms and behaviors. They have a considerable impact on society, which cannot be ignored Media’s responsibility is to identify the social gaps, evils and problems. Try to portray it in a good and reformist style, but these days, many times toxic and manipulative behavior is celebrated
- Consent has no value
A no does not mean no. The male stalking behaviors is never portrayed facing legal consequences. As a result, some women start normalising this behaviour, thinking that he is “the one” just because he behaves like the character in the show. It’s high time to watch these romantic storylines with logic, not absorb them blindly, because your privacy is your power, and it is vital for your safety
- Harm to mental health
It deeply affects the young girl’s mind, the teenagers, and considerably women’s mind it instils them with fear, anxiety and hyper vigilance. They can distort dreams and ambitions, sometimes leading girls to emulate the submissive or unrealistic characters they see on screen. This can impact their studies, career growth, and overall mental well-being.
Conclusion
Ultimately, women must be independent, educated, and deeply invested in their careers and personal growth. While the media often presents obsessive behaviour as love, real life is governed by laws, social norms, and the reality of both good and bad people. Understanding that harassment, stalking, and coercion are punishable offences under Indian law is crucial—it reinforces that consent, privacy, and personal autonomy must always be respected. Financial independence and self-reliance further empower women to make safe and informed decisions.
Refrences
- Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Sections 354A, 354D, 506, 509.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D.
- Constitution of India – Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(d), 21.
- K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, (2017)
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal – https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Helpline 1098 (Childline India Foundation).
Author Name- Sania Saleha Ahmad
