The Allahabad High Court has mandated that its registry must seek the court's approval before accepting filings containing photographs depicting private moments of individuals involved.

The single-headed bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot emphasized that submitting photographs depicting intimate moments between parties constitutes an invasion of privacy and can potentially inflict emotional distress on individuals involved.

The Court issued this directive after observing that certain private photographs had been appended to a rejoinder affidavit submitted in relation to a bail application in a rape case. The accused, who had been in custody since November 23, 2023, sought bail from the court.

Additionally, it was presented to the Court that the accused and the victim had been in a consensual relationship, and the rape allegation arose after their relationship deteriorated.

“The applicant never captured any indecent photographs or videos of the victim nor had circulated the same. No indecent photographs or videos of the victim have been recovered from the applicant,” the counsel representing the accused told the Court.

Considering the submissions, the Court allowed the bail plea.

Advocates PK Singh, Sunil Kumar Pandey represented the accused.

Advocate Chandan Agarwal represented the State of Uttar Pradesh.