On August 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a firm directive ordering the removal of the name, photographs, and videos of the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud along with Justices J. B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated that publishing such content was a clear violation of the law and an affront to the dignity of the deceased.
The court reminded all media outlets and platforms of its 2018 Nipun Saxena judgment, which strictly prohibits disclosure of the identity of sexual assault victims in any manner. It emphasized that the recent widespread circulation of sensitive images and identifying details was not only unlawful but also deeply insensitive, causing further pain to the family and society at large.
During the proceedings, the bench expressed grave concern about how quickly digital platforms allowed private and disturbing content to spread. While acknowledging the importance of free speech, the court underlined that it cannot come at the cost of human dignity, privacy, and established legal safeguards.
This intervention came in response to a plea filed by lawyer Kinnori Ghosh and others, who sought immediate action to protect the victim’s identity amidst rampant misinformation and exploitation of the tragedy online.
The ruling serves as a reminder that the justice system remains steadfast in safeguarding the rights of victims and maintaining standards of decency in public discourse, even in the digital age. It reinforces the principle that the pursuit of sensationalism can never outweigh the sanctity of human dignity.
To understand the full scope of the court’s reasoning and the broader implications of this important judgment, you are encouraged to read the full article. You can also get in touch with RG Legal Associates today!
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