The protection of identity of rape victims is considered to be a requirement under criminal law. Section 228 A of the IPC prohibits the publication of the identity of rape victims. The prohibition under the section has been worded to prohibit the publication of not only victims’ names but also any matter which could make victims’ identities known. Those who violate the publication prohibition under section 228A, IPC, are liable to be punished with imprisonment for up to two years and are be liable to be fined.
This law has been seemingly protected in the case of Nirbhaya of Delhi and the fifteen year old victim of Jing district of Haryana. However in the cases of Jisha and 8 year old Katuva girl, this has been outrightly violated. When print media stood with the law by not publishing photo of victim the social media took a different stand bringing huge damage to victim's family and the country.
Perhaps the publication of the photo may be due to the reason that victim is dead or a minor. But the way of approach to different cases are different. In some cases identity was disclosed and in some others not. Don't we need a uniform approach in rape and murder cases to prevent social victimisation or ostracism of the victim of a sexual offence and her family?
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