The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against a college student who was accused of stalking, voyeurism and outraging the modesty of a woman after sending a private Instagram direct message complimenting his classmate's appearance. The Court held that the conversation reflected the informal language commonly used by young people and did not disclose any criminal offence.
Background of the Case
The case arose after the student sent a private Instagram DM to his classmate describing her as "pretty" and complimenting her appearance. The chat was later shown to the complainant's father, following which an FIR was registered against the student.
The petitioner argued that the case had seriously affected his future. He submitted that he was a state-level cricketer and that his mobile phone and laptop had been seized during the investigation, allegedly without following the prescribed legal procedure.
Court's Observation
Justice M. Nagaprasanna examined the Instagram conversation and found that it was a private exchange between two classmates rather than a public communication.
"The chat is not a public chat. It is a chat between two individuals... The language deployed is that which students of this day use. That cannot become a crime," the Court observed.
The judge noted that while one expression used by the student may have been inappropriate, the overall conversation reflected what the Court described as "Gen Z lingo" and did not amount to stalking, voyeurism or outraging the modesty of a woman.
The Court further observed that allowing criminal proceedings to continue on the basis of such a private conversation would amount to an abuse of the legal process.
Court's Decision
Allowing the petition, the High Court quashed the FIR and all consequential criminal proceedings against the student.
The Court also directed the investigating officer to immediately return the petitioner's electronic devices if they were still in police custody.
Case Details
Case Title: Mr. Thomas Jadan Paldano G v. State of Karnataka & Another
Case Number: WP No. 34898/2024
Judge: Justice M. Nagaprasanna
Decision Date: 21 July 2026
