Communication Networks

Directive: Evaluate/Assess — evidence for → evidence against → weigh → measured verdict

• Evidence for: #MeToo → institutional bypass → crowd-sourced accountability → Sara Witmer: exposure offers redress where institutions fail → rapid amplification overcomes systemic apathy
• Evidence against: Unverified allegations → anonymity enables false claims → natural justice absent → reputational damage irreversible → Delhi HC 2026: statements can "transcend mere free expression"
• Weigh → Verdict: Social media fills institutional vacuum → but platform architecture rewards virality over accuracy → regulation must target institutions, not victim speech

Inst. failure → delay, low trust, weak enforcement ⇒ “trial by timeline” But misuse of speech + anonymity + algorithmic amplification ⇒ virality Data: low conviction/charge-sheet rates vs rising cyber abuse Thus, causation = institutional deficit + platform design + social psychology

Directive: Examine — define issue; components; analyse each; qualify; conclude

• Component 1 (institutional credibility crisis): Police apathy + victim blaming + slow courts → POSH ICC employer-controlled → institutional bypass inevitable → Sara Witmer: exposure = accountability where systems fail
• Component 2 (rule of law concern): Unverified allegations → false claims → natural justice absent → audi alteram partem violated → Delhi HC 2026 observations
• Qualification → Conclusion: Root cause = institutional failure → regulating speech without fixing institutions = wrong policy target