“CYBERSTALKING AND CYBER CRIME: A LEGAL AND FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF INVESTIGATION MECHANISMS IN INDIA”

Abstract

Cyberstalking, a disturbing manifestation of cybercrime, has emerged as a severe threat to individual privacy and psychological well-being in the digital age. With the proliferation of internet access, social media platforms, and digital communication tools, perpetrators increasingly exploit virtual anonymity to harass, monitor, intimidate, and threaten victims. This research paper titled “Cyberstalking and Cyber Crime: A Legal and Forensic Analysis of Investigation Mechanisms in India” aims to explore the intersection of law, forensic science, and criminal investigation in addressing cyberstalking within the Indian context. The study delves into the legal frameworks governing cybercrime in India, particularly the Information Technology Act, 2000, and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, to evaluate their adequacy in curbing cyberstalking and ensuring justice to victims. Furthermore, the paper examines the role of digital forensics in tracking, preserving, and analyzing electronic evidence crucial for investigation and prosecution. It highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, including technological limitations, jurisdictional complexities, and lack of cyber literacy among officers. Through case studies and judicial precedents, the research evaluates the efficacy of current investigation protocols and forensic practices employed in cyberstalking cases. The paper concludes by recommending reforms for strengthening legal provisions, enhancing forensic capabilities, and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation to combat the growing menace of cyberstalking more effectively. This study contributes to the academic and policy discourse by offering a comprehensive analysis of how legal tools and forensic methods converge in addressing one of the most insidious forms of online harassment in India.