Sextortion Victims Can Now File FIR Without Going to Police Station: Kerala High Court Offers Hope


🚨 “I’m scared to go to the police… What if they blame me?”


This is one of the most common fears I hear from people facing sextortion.

Whether it’s a student blackmailed with private pictures or a working woman threatened with edited videos, the shame, fear, and helplessness is real.

They’re not just scared of the blackmailer.
They’re scared of the system.

They ask:

  • “Will the police take me seriously?”

  • “Will they laugh at me?”

  • “What if I have to repeat my trauma to male officers?”

  • “What if they say it’s not their jurisdiction and push me away?”

And sadly, these fears are not imaginary.
They’re based on real pain.

A Real Case: The Blame Game Between Two Police Stations

A young woman from Hyderabad(city name changed) once came to me. She was being threatened by someone from Mumbai who had obtained her private pictures. When she went to her local police station in Hyderabad, they said:

“The accused is from Mumbai. You must file there.”

When she contacted Mumbai police, they replied:

“But you’re from Hyderabad. Let them handle it.”

She was stuck between two states. Nobody wanted to help her.
Even though she was the victim, she was the one doing all the running around.

This story is not rare. It happens every week.

 A Ray of Hope from Kerala High Court

In a powerful judgment (YYYY v. State of Kerala, Crl.M.C. 4778 of 2020), the Kerala High Court gave a clear message:

A Victim does not have to be physically present or send a signed complaint for the police to act.

The Facts:

  • The victim, a woman living in Australia, had emailed a complaint about abuse by her husband.

  • The local police in Kerala refused to register an FIR, saying:

    • The email wasn’t signed.

    • She wasn’t in India.

The Court rejected this stand and said:

  • Zero FIR is now part of Indian law under Section 173 of the BNSS 2023.

  • Police must register a complaint of a cognizable offence—even if sent by email, and even if the victim is abroad.

  • Jurisdiction cannot be an excuse to delay action.

 What Is Zero FIR?

Zero FIR means you can file a First Information Report at any police station, no matter where the incident took place. That station will forward your complaint to the right place later.

It’s a powerful tool when:

  • The victim and the accused are in different cities or states.

  • The victim is unable or unwilling to physically visit the PS.

  • There’s an urgent need for action (e.g., blackmail, threats, leaks).

 You Have a Right to Dignity — And the Law Supports You

Here are a few comforting facts every woman (and man) should know:


1. Only a woman police officer is allowed to record your statement

As per Indian law, in cases of:

  • Rape

  • Sexual harassment

  • Stalking

  • Sextortion

  • Outraging modesty etc

Only a female police officer should record your statement.
 It should be done in a place where you feel safe and comfortable.

 2. You can send your complaint via Online

You don’t have to appear in person. You can send:

  • Screenshots

  • Chat records

  • Audio/Video threats

  • Bank transaction details

3. You don’t have to prove your trauma before they register FIR

If your complaint reveals a cognizable offence, the police must act first.
They can investigate and verify later.

 My Personal Advice as a Cybercrime Lawyer

I’ve spent the last few years listening to people whose lives were turned upside down because of a message, a screenshot, or a threat.

You don’t need to feel ashamed.
You don’t need to be strong alone.

You need support.
And now, the law finally gives you that support.

What You Can Do

  • If the police refuse to register your complaint, ask them politely to record it as a Zero FIR.

  • If they still deny, tell them you are aware of the BNSS Section 173 (and the Kerala HC judgment to support)

  • If you are too scared to go alone, speak to a cybercrime lawyer first. We can help you write, guide, and follow up—with complete confidentiality.

 You Are Not Alone

Many victims don’t come forward—not because they trust the blackmailer, but because they don’t trust the system.

This judgment is a step toward changing that.
And I will continue to stand with victims, especially those who’ve been failed before.

If you or someone you care about is facing online blackmail, sextortion, or harassment, you can reach out to me privately at Hackvocate or connect with me on LinkedIn or Text me on WhatsApp.

Justice is not a favour. It’s your right.
Don't give up because someone in uniform scared you.
Give it one more try—with the law on your side.



Location: India

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