Maharashtra passes a law that brings online abuse into the criminal net, targeting harassment across calls, texts and social media, while banning disclosure of acid attack survivors’ identities
Representation pic/istock
The Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026, with unanimous support. Introduced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Bill aims to strengthen legal protection for women, particularly in cases of online harassment and privacy violations.
The amendment also makes it illegal to disclose the identity of acid attack survivors and introduces stricter punishment for sexual harassment carried out through phone calls, social media and other digital platforms.
What Maharashtra has added
Fadnavis said most provisions of the earlier Shakti Bill are now covered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), but two key gaps remained.
>> Explicit inclusion of digital and online harassment
>> Ban on disclosing the identity of acid attack victims, on par with protections in rape and molestation cases
Opposition flags misuse concerns
Bhaskar Jadhav and Jitendra Awhad
Some Opposition leaders raised concerns over the potential misuse of such laws.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad said there should be safeguards for men.
“Many times, matters are consensual, but if disputes arise later, complaints are filed. There should be some limit,” Awhad said.
Jadhav added: “With due respect to women, the government should explore provisions to protect men as well.”
Why this change
The government said the amendments address emerging threats such as deepfakes and digitally altered content, enabling police to act more effectively against online harassment and privacy violations.
CM’s assurance
Responding to concerns raised by the Opposition, Fadnavis said the government would examine the suggestions and take appropriate action where necessary.
What the latest amendment covers
The law now explicitly recognises crimes committed through modern communication channels, including:
>> Social media
>> Mobile phones
>> Email and other digital platforms
Sending obscene, offensive or abusive messages through these platforms will be treated as a punishable offence.
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