The Madras High Court recently noted that the gay dating app Grindr was being misused for illegal activities. This observation came during a hearing on a bail petition filed by a man accused of sexually abusing and robbing another man he connected with through the app.

The court recommended that the Investigating Officer report the matter to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, so that appropriate action, including potentially blocking the app in accordance with the law, could be taken.

“The Investigating Officer shall also report about the mobile app to the appropriate agency namely, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India that it is used to commit offences / illegal purpose for them to consider for appropriate action including blocking in accordance with law,” the court said.

Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy remarked that the app was deemed illegal not because it catered to homosexual individuals, but because it primarily served prurient purposes and the sexual interests of its users.

The court was hearing a bail petition filed by Maharaja under Section 483 of the BNSS. The case against him involved allegations that he had lured the defacto complainant, whom he met through the Grindr app, to a secluded location where he sexually abused him and robbed him of his chain and credit card. It was further alleged that Maharaja had withdrawn ₹1,15,000 using the stolen card. As a result, he was charged with offences under Sections 294(b), 377, 387, and 506(2) of the IPC.

The court was inclined to grant Maharaja bail, taking into account his undertaking to delete the Grindr app and refrain from using any social media platforms. He also committed to voluntarily surrendering his mobile phone and to inform the police if he purchased a new one.

Consequently, the court directed that Maharaja be released on bail upon executing a bond of ₹10,000 with two sureties.

Counsel for the Petitioner: M/s. Balakrishnan, Advocate.

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr.R.M.Anbunithi, Additional Public Prosecutor

Case Title: Maharaja v Inspector of Police

Case No: CRL OP(MD). No.13287 of 2024