SC furious over Kolkata doctor rape victim's viral images: Here's why you shouldn't share, know punishment and penalty

The Supreme Court today raised serious concerns about the publishing of Kolkata rape victim's name, photograph, and video clips all over media. The identity of a Kolkata doctor who was a victim of rape and murder has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and legal action. Despite laws prohibiting such disclosures, the victim's name and images have been widely shared.

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Revealed the Victim's Identity

The controversy has drawn attention from public figures, including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who shared posts revealing the victim's identity. Rathee's post received significant engagement, with 66,000 likes and over 12,000 retweets.

What the Law Says About Disclosing a Rape Victim's Identity

The law is clear: Disclosing the identity of a sexual assault victim is a criminal offense. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, criminalizes such disclosures, with penalties including fines and up to two years of imprisonment. Exceptions to this rule are limited and strictly regulated, allowing disclosure only with permission from the victim or their next-of-kin, and only to authorized welfare institutions.

Court Guidelines to Protect Rape Victims

The Supreme Court has established strict guidelines to protect the identities of sexual assault victims. These include prohibiting the media and others from publishing any information that could lead to the identification of the victim. The court has also mandated that all documents related to such cases be kept in sealed cover and only be accessible to the court. The guidelines stress the importance of protecting victims from further harm, noting that they often face social ostracization and discrimination.

Why Rape Victim's Identity is Protected?

The Supreme Court has highlighted the societal challenges faced by sexual assault victims, noting that they are often treated as "untouchables" and ostracized by their communities. The court's 2018 judgment in the Nipun Saxena case underscored the need for confidentiality to protect victims from further victimization and to encourage reporting of such crimes.