Prank calling might not seem like a big deal to some of you, but yes, if it goes too far, then there are some legal consequences you’d have to face. So yes, there may not be specific laws against prank calling making it illegal, but if your intent was to harm someone mentally and cause unrest in their lives, well, there sure will be legal action taken against you. Simple as that.
What’s the Law Say About Prank Calls In India?
In India, there isn’t a law explicitly directed at just the act of prank calling, so keep that in mind. But yes, if your prank call results in the targeted person feeling endangered or angered, you can be held responsible for it under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Yes, we are talking about the laws that protect against harm, harassment, or trickery. This means that no matter what your intent, if you cause someone to incur damage or injury through a prank call, you might be up against civil law.
For example, if someone receives a news report of a false emergency like a bomb threat, they could be criminally charged for the act of providing false information to public officials. Such pranks can create a poor public impression or use public emergency services’ resources, thus making the law very forceful on such accounts.
Which Laws Might Apply to Prank Calls?
Just to be clear from the start, you see, if the prank call goes too far, you can consider a number of laws that may have a say in the issue. Like what? For example, if you provide false information to a public servant to just mislead them or prank with them, well, in that case, you’ll be charged under Section 182 of the IPC.
Section 294 of the IPC, which deals with obscene acts and language, could be another possible application if you include any abusive or foul language in your prank call. Moreover, if the prank spreads false news that can cause public unrest or insult religious beliefs, you may be charged under IPC sections 153, 153A, 295, and 295A as well, just so you know.
On top of that, the Information Technology Act’s Section 67, which regulates the online distribution of obscene materials, could be applied if your prank includes indecent material on social media.
