Anti-Cyber Bullying Laws In India - An Analysis

Bullying

Bullying may be characterised as an intentional act by a perpetrator which, though may not amount to a criminal offence, causes pain or anguish or suffering to the victim, either physically or emotionally. The victim is usually at the mercy of the perpetrator and the bully uses tactics such as name-calling or intimidation or social ostracization to achieve his or her goal. Bullying may take place in both public and private spaces. It traumatises the victim and may result in permanent emotional damage.

Traditional Approach to Bullying

The traditional approach to bullying in educational institutions and workplaces has been to brush it aside, with excuses such as ‘boys will be boys' or ‘tough men don't complain', though it is possible that bullying which involves intimidation or the threat of violence could trigger the offence of assault¹ or battery.²