I&B Ministry asks TV channels to refrain from disclosing victim's identity in sexual assault cases

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory for television channels to refrain from disclosing of victim’s name and identity in cases of sexual assault. The Ministry has also asked channels to ensure strict compliance with an earlier order given by the Supreme Court in this regard.

The reminder was issued in light of a recent incident, wherein some TV channels had disclosed the identity and picture of a victim, which goes against the order earlier issued by the Supreme Court earlier.

“It has come to the notice of the I&B Ministry that some TV channels have disclosed the identity of a rape victim or a sexually assaulted girl by showing her face or by revealing her personal details. This is not in consonance with the judgement of the Supreme Court,” the I&B Ministry said in an advisory issued to all private satellite TV channels.

 “TV channels are hereby again advised to strictly refrain from disclosing the identity of sexually assaulted girls/women in any manner and exercise restraint, responsibility, and sensitivity while reporting such matters and to follow the provisions contained in the Programme & Advertising Codes and the aforesaid directions of the Supreme Court of India scrupulously,” the advisory went on to add.

The I&B Ministry also reiterated that TV channels cannot display the victim’s image in any form or manner, not even as “morphed or blurred form” to ensure the "safety, mental and physical health of the victim."

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