The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to submit a detailed report on the operations and legal standing of the social networking platform Gleeden. The move follows a complaint that raised concerns about the app’s purpose and its possible social impact.
The Commission took note of a petition filed by the Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation, which alleged that the platform enables extramarital connections by allowing married individuals to interact discreetly.
Scale of usage and risk factors highlighted
As per the petition, the app apparently has around 40 lakh users in India, which consists of both males and females. This number has raised a doubt regarding how popular the app is and what ramifications it holds.
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Moreover, issues of using fake IDs on the app, possible sexual abuse against women, lack of regulation checks, and even involvement of minors were all highlighted in the petition.
NHRC member raises social impact concerns
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo addressed the issue in a post on X, stating that the complaint indicates the app promotes digital services “purely for adultery and sexual invitations”. He cautioned that such interactions, once revealed, could have serious consequences.
“Extramarital sexual relationships formed discreetly can lead to the breakdown of marital relationships and domestic violence when exposed, which often culminates in serious cases such as suicide,” he wrote.
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App’s legality under lens amid cultural concerns
The Commission has also indicated that the issue is not limited to individual complaints. It is evaluating whether the operation of such a platform complies with India’s current laws.
ग्लीडन नाम के सोशल नेटवर्किंग प्लेटफार्म के विरुद्ध @sewanyaya संस्था से शिकायत प्राप्त हुई है कि Gleeden प्लेटफार्म विवाहित महिला एवं पुरुषों को विवाहेतर शारीरिक संबंध बनाने के अवसर प्रदान करने वाला सेवा प्रदाता है और इस पर 40 लाख भारतीय महिला पुरुष सक्रिय हैं।
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) April 10, 2026
शिकायत से प्रतीत… pic.twitter.com/98T4YTyZ6e
“In light of the above facts, Gleeden's services appear contrary to India's social-familial structure and cultural-religious context”, Kanoongo said.
“It is necessary to review whether this act is legally permissible in accordance with the relevant legal provisions; therefore, a notice has been issued to @GoI_MeitY seeking information.”
NHRC has requested MeitY to provide an elaborate report regarding the functioning of the portal. Depending on the findings of the ministry, the Commission will take further steps if required.
