HC Issues Notice on Plea Against Media for Leaking Hyd Victim Name

Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code makes disclosure of identity of victim punishable with imprisonment of a term

Representative image.

(Photo: Erum Gour/The Quint)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, 4 December, sought the response of the Centre on a plea against revelation of identity of the Hyderabad rape victim by certain media houses.

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar issued notices to the Centre, the governments of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, as well as some media houses and social networking platforms on the petition.

The plea has sought initiation of appropriate proceedings against the media houses and individuals who have allegedly revealed the identity of the rape victim, which is an offence under the law.

Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code makes disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, including rape, punishable with imprisonment of a term that may extend to two years and a fine.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on 16 December.