Madras High Court Upholds Life Sentence for Romance Fraud, Warns Against Sharing Intimate Images
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has upheld the life sentence imposed on T. Kasi alias Suji for sexually exploiting and extorting money from several women. The court used the occasion to issue a strong appeal to young people and families to exercise extreme caution in online relationships.
A Division Bench of Justices N. Anand Venkatesh and K.K. Ramakrishnan noted that while digital communication has enriched human interaction, it has also created opportunities for exploitation through deception, emotional manipulation, and threats to share intimate images. The court urged awareness, vigilance, and timely reporting to prevent victimisation.
The court described the case as a classic example of 'romance fraud' where the accused weaponised the victims' trust and emotional vulnerability. It particularly appealed to young women never to share intimate photographs or videos through electronic means, as such material can be misused with irreversible consequences for privacy, dignity, and mental well-being.
In a postscript, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh highlighted the rapidly increasing number of digital crimes and the need for the legal system to address not only technical rules for digital evidence but also the mental toll on investigators, lawyers, and judges who are repeatedly exposed to graphic material. He called for mandatory psychological screening, counselling, and rotation of personnel to prevent burnout and trauma.
The court delivered portions of the judgment in English, Tamil, and Hindi to reach a wider audience, emphasising the broader societal implications of such crimes.
