Print or publication of name or any identity of rape victim in print, electronic, social media, etc., shall be strictly prohibited

Prosecutrix claims to be Scheduled Tribe in the State of Jharkhand and she is a rape victim, whose identity was disclosed by the media. After knowing that the prosecutrix is a rape victim, no one is ready to give her accommodation even on rent. She invoked the jurisdiction of the Court in the matter of her rehabilitation. Also, she prayed for a direction to protect her and her children’s life.

Plea of the prosecutrix that she being a rape victim, not getting any help from family friends or society. She, with three children, has no means of survival and she is not able to give education to her children. Administration, media and society have compelled prosecutrix to lead a life with no security, no job and no shelter in future.

Prosecutrix being a rape victim deserves a sympathetic approach by all authorities. A rape victim suffers not only mental trauma but also discrimination from society as she has two sons and one daughter out of which two children are still minor.

Ashok Bhushan J strongly opined that “No person can print or publish in print, electronic, social media, etc. name of the victim or even in a remote manner disclose any facts which can lead to the victim being identified and which should make her identity known to the public at large.”

The court issued directions that Deputy Commissioner shall take appropriate steps to ensure that minor children of the petitioner are provided free education in any Government Institution at Ranchi. Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi may also consider the case of the petitioner for providing a house under Prime Minister Awas Yojna or any other Central or State Scheme in which the prosecutrix could be provided accommodation.