In a landmark directive, the Supreme Court of India issued an injunctive order on August 20, 2024, demanding the removal of all identifiers—name, photographs, video clips—of the deceased trainee doctor involved in the tragic R.G. Kar Medical College rape‑murder incident from social and electronic media. The court emphasized that such disclosures violate its earlier landmark judgment in Nipun Saxena & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors., which expressly bars publication of sexual assault victims’ identities across all media.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) swiftly responded, directing social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X and others—to comply immediately with the court order. Non-compliance could invite legal consequences and regulatory action. Platforms were also required to inform MeitY of their actions taken under the directive.
This judgment underscores a crucial tension in democratic societies—the balance between freedom of expression and the right to dignity and privacy. While upholding the principle of free speech, the court reaffirmed that it must operate within established legal parameters, particularly in sensitive contexts involving sexual violence.
In the aftermath, the case has drawn continued judicial and public scrutiny. The Calcutta High Court has mandated a report from the CBI on offensive social media posts, and the investigation remains under close watch to ensure proper accountability.
By enforcing its own precedents and compelling digital platforms to act, the Supreme Court and MeitY have reinforced the ethos that victims’ anonymity must be preserved—even in the age of viral information.
To read the full story and get detailed updates, visit the Economic Times website. You can also get in touch with RG Legal Associates today!
Full‑service Delhi & Kolkata law firm with 30+ years’ experience in corporate, regulatory, real estate & litigation counsel.
