The Madras High Court raised concerns about the misuse of the LGBTQ dating app Grindr and suggested it might need to be blocked. Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy made this observation while granting bail to an individual accused of robbing and sexually abusing a man he met through the app.
Tamil Nadu: The Madras High Court instructed the State police to alert the Central government about the misuse of the LGBTQ dating app Grindr.
Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy, from the Madurai Bench, stated that the police should inform the Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY) about the app’s involvement in criminal activities and urged the Central government to consider blocking the app.
In its order dated August 13, the Court stated,
“The Investigating Officer shall also report the mobile app to the appropriate agency, namely, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, indicating that it is being used to commit offences/illegal activities, for them to consider appropriate action, including blocking, in accordance with the law.”
Justice Chakravarthy hearing a bail application filed by Maharaja, who was charged under Sections 294(b) and 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
According to the order, the accused had connected with the complainant on Grindr, subsequently taking him to a secluded location where he sexually assaulted and robbed him. The accused also withdrew Rs.1.15 lakh from the complainant’s account using his credit card.
Justice Chakravarthy granted bail to Maharaja, with the condition that he delete the app and refrain from using social media.
Additionally, the accused instructed to surrender his mobile phone and to notify the police if he acquires a new one. The judge also directed the investigating officer to report the app to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY).
Advocate Balakrishnan represented the accused, while Additional Public Prosecutor RM Anbunithi appeared for the Tamil Nadu Police.
The ongoing scrutiny of Grindr could lead to significant changes in how such apps are monitored and regulated in India, reflecting the judiciary’s proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges in the digital age.