Jaipur, September 16- In a closely watched hearing at the Rajasthan High Court’s Jaipur bench, Justice Ashok Kumar Jain granted bail to 19-year-old Akash, accused of circulating explicit images of a married woman on Instagram. The courtroom stayed tense as both sides argued over the young man’s future and the victim’s safety.
Background
The case stems from an FIR lodged on February 21, 2025, at Sadar Hindaun police station in Karauli district. The 23-year-old complainant alleged that Akash edited her private photos and videos, then used multiple fake Instagram accounts to spread the material and intimidate her. Police later added charges under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Section 78(2)) and the Information Technology Act (Sections 67 and 67A).
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Akash, a second-year college student with no prior record, had already spent over four months in custody. His first bail plea was withdrawn in August after the court insisted the victim’s testimony be recorded.
Court’s Observations
Justice Jain acknowledged the gravity of the accusations but also noted the accused’s age and lack of criminal history. “The victim’s statement has been recorded and the investigation is complete. The petitioner is no longer required for custodial interrogation,” the bench observed.
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The judge highlighted that the alleged acts—though serious—are triable by a magistrate and that prolonged incarceration could damage a young student’s future. Yet he cautioned against any threat to the victim’s marital life, warning, “If this petitioner indulges in any act to harm the victim or her family, this order will be recalled immediately.”
Decision
Balancing these concerns, the court allowed bail with unusually tough conditions. Akash must furnish a ₹50,000 personal bond and two sureties. He is barred from contacting the victim or her family, using Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or similar platforms for three years, and must delete every photo or video related to the complainant from all devices and cloud storage. Any breach will trigger immediate cancellation of bail.
With these directions, the bench ordered Akash’s release, marking a cautious middle path between safeguarding the victim and giving a young offender a chance to reform.
Case Title: Akash v. State of Rajasthan – High Court Grants Bail in Obscene Video Case
Case No.: S.B. Criminal 2nd Misc. Bail Application No. 11755/2025
Order Date: 16 September 2025
