Media often publishes the images of minor rape victims, causing them to relive the incident all over again.
But now the Supreme Court has banned the media from doing so.
The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that even morphed picture of child rape victims should not be published. The court made the observation while expressing concern over the identity of child rape victims being revealed by print and electronic media.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the issue, the apex court on Thursday restrained the media from telecasting images and videos of minor rape victims even in morphed form.
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The bench said the media has been virtually forcing the rape survivors to “relive the trauma again and again” and this must be stopped. It said government agencies should also be restrained from directly interacting with the girls.
“It is disgusting… Any interaction with the victims by investigating agency or any other government agency including child rights bodies must be done by professional counselors or child psychologists,” the bench said.
“In the name of freedom of expression, we cannot expose our children who are already under trauma. Why should they be interviewed at all by the media? Media should also be barred from interviewing parents of the victims as it also exposes the identity. Children have right to anonymity and it must be respected by all,” said Additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta.
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