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The High Court said that in today’s virtual world, it is not enough to educate minors about the traditional dangers of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’, but they should also be made aware of the emerging concept of ‘virtual touch’ and its potential dangers. It is also important to be educated about. That includes teaching them appropriate online behavior, recognizing the signs of violent behavior and explaining the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries.
Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma said that this Court emphasizes that in today’s virtual modern world where even virtual spaces have become platforms for alleged virtual love among teenagers, they have become a platform for human trafficking and virtual The other side is not prepared to deal with the potential threats of crimes that exist in the world. He made the above comment while rejecting the bail plea of a woman, Kamlesh Devi. The woman is accused of helping her son who is accused of kidnapping a minor girl and sexually assaulting her after forcing her into prostitution.
The Justice also said that hence he has asked the concerned stakeholders to include it in the school curriculum about virtual touch and its consequences and dangers. He said that it is the need of the hour that through this order/decision, concerned stakeholders like schools and colleges, Delhi State Legal Services Authority along with Delhi Judicial Academy should be asked to organize programs, workshops and conferences on this issue. A message should be sent. Along with this, it was directed that a copy of his order will be sent to Delhi Judicial Academy and Delhi State Legal Services Authority for information and compliance.
The court said that traditionally the focus has been on teaching minors about ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ physically to protect them from harm. But in today’s virtual world it is important to expand this learning by including the concept of ‘virtual touch’. There is a need to make it safe for minors to interact with online media and to recognize the potential risks that lie in cyberspace.
It is alleged that a man, Rajeev, befriended a 16-year-old girl through social media and kidnapped her when she went to meet him. The girl was taken to Madhya Pradesh and kept there for several days. After this the man and others allegedly sexually assaulted her. There is also an allegation that the girl was forced to marry a 45-year-old man in exchange for money. The girl alleged that the accused man used to bring several men to the compound where he was confined. She was forced to offer herself to these men for sexual gratification.
