In a pivotal move on August 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of India mandated the removal of all references—including the name, photographs, and video clips—of the trainee doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata from social media and electronic media platforms. The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud alongside Justices J. B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, likened the disclosure of her identity to a violation of privacy and decency principles enshrined in precedent.
The court emphasized that such disclosures breach its own landmark Nipun Saxena judgment of 2018, which forbids naming sexual assault victims or revealing details that could lead to their identification, whether in print, electronic, or social media. The order follows widespread dissemination of sensitive content—including photographs of the victim’s body—shortly after it was recovered, triggering national outrage and concern.
The plea that prompted this ruling was filed by lawyer Kinnori Ghosh and others, who sought judicial intervention to uphold the dignity and rights of the victim amid rampant misinformation and insensitivity on digital platforms.
This order underscores the judiciary’s resolve to uphold victims’ rights and protect their dignity even in the digital age, striking a balance between freedom of expression and fundamental human rights.
To delve deeper into the court’s ruling, the legal context, and the broader implications of this directive, please read the full article. You can also get in touch with RG Legal Associates today!
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