High Court Challenges Cyber Safety Act's Dismissal of Harassment Cases

• •High Court questions the legality of a provision in the Cyber Safety Act, 2026.
• •Section 50(5) mandates dismissal of pending cyber harassment cases, affecting victims like Rubaya Monzur.
• •Legal responses from government officials required within four weeks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has questioned the legality of Section 50(5) of the Cyber Safety Act, 2026, which mandates the blanket dismissal of pending cases related to cyber sexual harassment and online violence. This legal challenge arises from a writ petition filed by Rubaya Monzur, who experienced harassment through fake accounts created in her name. The court has asked the government to justify why this provision should not be declared unconstitutional. The dismissal of her case, which had progressed through various legal stages, raises concerns about the protection of victims of cyber crimes. The court has issued a rule requiring responses from relevant government officials within four weeks. The provision has been criticized for potentially providing immunity to perpetrators while undermining victims' rights. The case highlights ongoing debates about the balance between freedom of expression and protection from cyber violence.