Published by: Rishu Ranjan

College: Asian Law College, Noida-125.

INTRODUCTION
Unwanted calls have become an increasingly common form of harassment that
affects people all around the world. Harassment refers to any unwanted
behaviour or action that causes distress, annoyance, or to an individual. When it
comes to telephone calls, this form of harassment can be particularly pervasive
and disruptive. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of harassment
related to unwanted calls, the challenges it presents, available avenues of help,
the potential defamation caused, and the government’s efforts to address this
issue. Moreover, we will delve into the impact of these unwanted calls on
mental well-being.

UNDERSTANDING HARASSMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF
UNWANTED CALLS
Harassment through unwanted calls involves the repeated or persistent act of
contacting an individual without their consent, often with malicious intent.
These calls may come in different forms, such as telemarketing scams, prank
calls, or even threatening messages. Regardless of the specific nature, unwanted
calls can cause significant distress, invade personal privacy, and disrupt daily
life.

DIFFERENT FROMS OF UNWANTED CALLS
Unwanted calls can manifest in various ways, making it crucial to be aware of
the different forms they may take. Some common types of unwanted calls
include:
Telemarketing Scams: These calls typically involve individuals or organizations
attempting to promote products or services through deceptive or fraudulent
means. Such calls not only waste time but can also lead to financial losses for
the unsuspecting victims.

• Prank Calls: Prank calls often originate from individuals seeking amusement
  or intending to arouse fear, frustration, or anger in the recipient. These calls can
  have serious emotional consequences, causing anxiety and distress.
• Threatening or Harassing Calls: This type of unwanted call involves
  individuals who engage in aggressive, abusive, or threatening behaviour
  towards the recipient. Such calls can incite fear, disrupt daily routines, and leave
  lasting psychological impacts.

SEEKING HELP IN DEALING WITH UNWANTED CALLS
While facing unwanted calls can be distressing, understanding the available
resources for seeking help can empower individuals to combat this issue
effectively. If you find yourself receiving unwanted calls, consider following
options:
REGISTERING FOR THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY
One proactive step is to register your telephone number on the National Do Not
Call Registry. This database serves to limit telemarketing calls and provides a
basis for regulatory action against violators. By registering your number, you
can express your desire to avoid these unwanted marketing calls and potentially
reduce their frequency.

CONTACTING TELEPHONE SERVICE PROVIDER
Reach out to your telephone service provider to report the unwanted calls and
inquire about available features or services for blocking or filtering such calls.
Many providers offer call blocking solutions or tools to identify and report
suspicious or harassing numbers. Taking advantage of these services can help
minimize the impact of unwanted calls.
Reporting Harassment to Authorities
When dealing with sex cases of harassment it may be necessary to involve law
enforcement. Local authorities or specialized agencies can support you in
tracking down the source of the calls and taking legal action against the
harassers. Maintaining a documented record of the unwanted calls, including
dates, times, and any relevant details, can strengthen your case when reporting
to the authorities.

DEFAMATION CAUSED BY UNWANTED CALLS
Apart from the immediate distress inflicted by unwanted calls, individuals may
also face the serious consequence of defamation. Defamation refers to the act of

damaging someone’s reputation through false statements or rumours, which can
occur during unwanted calls.
These calls often involve malicious intent, spreading false information about
individuals, businesses, or organizations. Defamatory statements made during
unwanted calls can tarnish reputations, causing emotional distress, financial
harm, and even legal consequences.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO ADDRESS UNWANTED CALLS
Recognizing the growing concern of unwanted calls and associated harassment,
governments worldwide have undertaken initiatives to combat this issue.
Various measures have been implemented to mitigate the impact of unwanted
calls and protect individuals from harassment.

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS AND REGULATIONS
Many countries have established legislative frameworks and regulations aimed
at governing telemarketing practices and reducing unwanted calls. These
regulations often require telemarketers to obtain consent before making calls
and provide clear guidelines regarding permissible calling hours. Legislative
measures aim to create a safer and more regulated telecommunication
environment.

COLLABORATION WITH TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE
PROVIDER
Governments have also partnered with telecommunication service providers to
develop robust defence mechanisms against calls. By sharing information on
suspicious numbers and implementing advanced call-blocking technologies,
service providers can play a crucial role in reducing the occurrence of
unwanted calls.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPSCT OF UNWANTED CALLS
Unwanted calls can exert a substantial toll on an individual’s mental well-being.
Repeated exposure to harassment and the stress induced by unwanted calls can
lead to various psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, even Post-

Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The constant fear and invasion of personal
space caused by unwanted calls can erode one’s sense of security and stability.
Moreover, the incessant disruption of daily life and constant anticipation of the
next harassing call can cause heightened stress levels and negatively impact
overall mental health. Recognizing the detrimental effect of unwanted calls on
mental well-being is crucial in advocating for comprehensive solutions and
support systems.

CONCLUSION
Unwanted calls not only disrupt personal privacy and daily routines but can also
induce significant emotional distress. Understanding the various forms of
harassment, seeking available avenues of help, dealing with defamation caused
by such calls, and acknowledging the adverse psychological impact is vital in
combating this issue. Governments, regulatory bodies, telecommunication
service providers, and individuals alike must continue their efforts to reduce
unwanted calls, create awareness, and promote the well-being of those affected
by this form of harassment.