Assam men face legal trouble over Facebook 'haha' reaction to a woman’s post

A man from Dhekiajuli, Assam, has landed in legal trouble after reacting with a ‘haha’ emoji to a Facebook comment on a post by Varnali Deka, former Deputy Commissioner of Kokrajhar district.

Amit Chakraborty was summoned to a Kokrajhar court after a case was filed by Deka, accusing him and two others of cyberstalking and making sexually derogatory remarks. The controversy began when Naresh Barua commented, “No makeup today, ma’am?” on a photograph of Deka. Chakraborty reacted with a laughing emoji, leading to legal action.

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Deka responded sharply to Barua’s comment, questioning why it was his concern. Following this, she lodged a complaint against Barua, Chakraborty, and a third individual, Abdul Subur Choudhary, at the Kokrajhar police station. Screenshots of their exchanges were submitted as evidence.

Citing Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code, Deka accused them of cyberstalking, stating that they should focus on their work rather than commenting on her appearance. She also referenced Section 354A, which deals with sexually colored remarks.

Chakraborty, defending himself, claimed he had no knowledge of Deka’s official position and was shocked to face legal action over a simple emoji reaction. He expressed frustration over the ordeal, stating that he was harassed for merely reacting to another person’s comment.