Guwahati: The National Commission for Women, in collaboration with the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, on Saturday successfully hosted its first Regional Law Review Consultation for the year 2024-25, focusing on “Cyber Laws Affecting Women”.
Over 40 legal professionals from the Northeastern states participated in the event held at the National Law University and Judicial Academy, offering their perspectives on necessary amendments to cyber laws impacting women.
The Regional Law Review Consultation on Cyber Laws Affecting Women deliberated on the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, proposed amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and pertinent sections of the POSH Act, focusing on cybercrimes such as cyberstalking, bullying, impersonation, identity theft, and deepfakes.
Justice Rumi Kumari Phukan, former judge of the Gauhati High Court and chief guest of the consultation, shared valuable insights on cybercrimes against women, drawing from her extensive judicial experience.
She underscored the necessity for a harmonious relationship between legislation, legal infrastructure, and sensitivity in enforcement to create an effective redressal ecosystem.
Prof. (Dr.) Indrajit Dube, Vice-Chancellor of NLU, Meghalaya and guest of honour at the event, highlighted that the policies, law enforcement, and judicial system face systemic challenges that remain significantly underreported.
He argued that addressing these issues requires mandatory reporting obligations for digital platforms, public-private partnerships, digital literacy initiatives, and strong accountability measures.
He emphasized the critical role of universities, NGOs, and civil society in educating and empowering women to navigate the digital landscape safely and with dignity.
Dr. Arjun Chetri, Assistant Director at the North Eastern Police Academy under the Ministry of Home Affairs, addressed AI-related cybercrimes such as deepfakes, emphasizing the need for laws to adapt alongside rapid technological advancements.
He pointed out the challenges posed by emerging technologies and the necessity for responsive legislation to safeguard vulnerable groups.
Gautam Choudhury and P.D Nair, advocates of the Gauhati High Court, provided constructive critique of the IT Act, 2000 and BNS, 2023 respectively with respect to cyber laws affecting women.
Representing the NCW, Asholi Chalai, Joint Secretary, and Bhavika Sharma, Junior Technical Expert, participated in the event.
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Prof. K.V.S. Sarma, Vice-Chancellor, NLUJA, Assam mentored the consultative exercise.
The consultation concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Nandarani Choudhury, Co-Coordinator of the Centre for Gender Justice at NLUJA, Assam.
