Secretly Filming Someone is Now a Punishable Crime in Punjab

The Punjab government has prepared draft legislation that would make secret filming, stalking, cyber bullying, online blackmail, and digital extortion punishable under a new legal framework aimed at tackling modern forms of crime.

The proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behavior Act 2026 has been drafted to replace the decades-old Control of Goondas Act, which officials believe is no longer effective in dealing with present-day criminal behavior, particularly online harassment and digital abuse.

Under the proposed law, authorities would be able to take action against individuals involved in covertly recording a person’s private moments through photos or videos, stalking, online intimidation, cyber bullying, and digital blackmail. The draft also covers behavior that spreads fear, creates harassment, or disturbs public order in communities.

Officials say the legislation seeks to introduce a more updated system for dealing with habitual offenders and anti-social elements at the district level. As part of the proposal, District Intelligence Committees would be given the power to recommend that a person be declared a habitual offender.

Such a designation could lead to several administrative steps, including placement on a no-fly list, blocking or confiscation of passports, freezing bank accounts, cancellation of weapons licenses, and increased surveillance of suspects.

The draft law also includes provisions for the attachment or confiscation of property, although officials say such measures would remain subject to judicial scrutiny.

To guard against misuse, the proposed legislation includes the right to defense and the right to appeal. An appellate tribunal made up of a retired district judge and other members has also been proposed to hear appeals against actions taken under the law.

Officials say the aim is to create a modern legal framework that can address threats such as online harassment, digital blackmail, and covert privacy violations that older laws were not designed to handle.