Can India Seek Extradition For Cyberstalking Or Defamation?

India has the legal ability to request extradition for various offences, including cyberstalking and criminal defamation. However, the success of such requests depends on the seriousness of the offence, the nature of the legal system in the requested country, and whether the offence meets the dual criminality test.

Extradition for Cyberstalking or Defamation: Legal and Practical Considerations

Offences Under Indian Law

• Cyberstalking is punishable under:
  • Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Stalking (including online behavior).
  • Sections 66E and 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Violation of privacy and publishing obscene material online.
• Defamation is punishable under:
  • Section 499 and 500 of the IPC: Criminal defamation (up to 2 years imprisonment).

Dual Criminality Requirement

• Extradition generally requires that the alleged act is a crime in both countries involved (dual criminality).
• Some countries do not criminalize defamation, or treat it as a civil matter, making extradition for defamation difficult.
• Cyberstalking is more likely to qualify for extradition in countries that recognize it as a criminal offence (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia).

Seriousness of the Offence

• Extradition is more likely for serious offences involving threats, harassment, or repeat offences.
• Simple online trolling or one-time defamatory remarks are unlikely to qualify as extraditable offences.

Treaty Obligations and Limitations

• India’s extradition treaties with several countries include minimum sentence thresholds (e.g., offence punishable by at least one year of imprisonment).
• Treaties may also allow refusal if the offence is viewed as minor, political, or related to freedom of speech.

Challenges and Refusals

• Countries with strong free speech protections (like the U.S. or European nations) may reject extradition for defamation on constitutional grounds.
• If the act is seen as an exercise of opinion or expression, extradition is unlikely.
• Cyberstalking, if it involves threats or explicit harassment, stands a better chance if backed by strong evidence.

Example

India issues an extradition request to Country X for a person who repeatedly sent threatening and sexually explicit emails to a woman in India. The conduct qualifies as cyberstalking under both Indian and Country X’s laws. The request is processed based on treaty obligations and dual criminality, and the accused is extradited.

In contrast, if someone living abroad published a satirical article criticizing a public figure in India and was charged with defamation, the extradition request might be denied by Country X citing protection of free speech.

Conclusion

India can seek extradition for cyberstalking and, in rare cases, for defamation. Success depends on the dual criminality test, seriousness of the offence, and treaty terms. While cyberstalking involving threats or harassment is more likely to meet extradition criteria, criminal defamation faces significant legal and diplomatic hurdles, especially in jurisdictions with strong freedom of expression protections.