Sharing Offensive Material Is a Crime, Not a Prank — Court Fines Student

 

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today underscored the serious legal and moral consequences of sharing offensive material, imposing a fine of Rs. 5,000 on a university student who pleaded guilty to distributing a nude photograph of a fellow female undergraduate via a WhatsApp group for a mere Rs. 500.

In a stern warning to those who misuse digital platforms, the Magistrate ruled that failure to pay the fine would result in six months of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered the offender to pay Rs. 50,000 in compensation to the victim, recognising the severe emotional harm caused.

The Cyber Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court that the accused had shared the explicit image despite not knowing the victim personally. He admitted in court to having done so during his first year at university and expressed deep remorse.

The court was told that the primary suspect behind the act is the victim’s former boyfriend, who allegedly coerced the accused into spreading the image. CID officers confirmed that investigations into the main perpetrator are ongoing.

The victim’s counsel revealed that the incident had pushed the young woman to the brink of suicide, necessitating medical intervention. She is now in recovery, but the psychological toll has been profound.

This case serves as a stark reminder that sharing intimate or offensive material without consent is not just unethical—it is a punishable crime. The court’s decision reinforces the legal obligation to respect privacy and dignity, especially in the digital age.

The Magistrate concluded by instructing the CID to arrest and present the main suspect in court, affirming that all those involved will be held accountable.