‘Media should exercise restraint in reporting sexual crimes’, orders SC:Sensational language retraumatises victims; do not reveal identities

The Supreme Court on Monday urged the media to report sexual crimes with responsibility and sensitivity. A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran said sensational headlines and graphic or inflammatory details of sexual violence are not in the public interest and could cause serious mental trauma to victims and their families. The Court made the remarks while hearing three gangrape cases, which it had taken up on its own. It said print, electronic and digital media organisations are also barred under Section 23 of the POCSO Act from revealing the identity of sexual assault victims or minor children. 3 major happenings in last 2 months 4 August: A 16-year-old girl was gangraped on a moving bus in Delhi. She boarded the bus at Pari Chowk in Greater Noida and was dropped at Kashmere Gate. The bus travelled around 47 km, with curtains covering its windows. 12 September: A 16-year-old girl was gang-raped and murdered in Swaroop Nagar. Her body was found in an open field the next day. Four accused were arrested, including three minors. 21 September: A 17-year-old girl was raped at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Temple. She was sitting with a friend when three men allegedly posed as police officers and raped her. All three accused were arrested. Supreme Court’s advice to the media The Supreme Court said that reporting sexual offences is a constitutional and ethical responsibility. Media organisations, journalists and publishing platforms must remain mindful of this responsibility. The bench said, “Sensational headlines, graphic or inflammatory descriptions of sexual violence and insensitive language are not in the public interest. They pose a serious risk of psychological trauma to victims and their families.” The court said that headlines and reporting must prioritise dignity, factual accuracy and institutional accountability over sensationalism. Justice and safety should remain the focus of the discussion. Directs to withhold victims’ identities The Supreme Court reminded print, electronic and digital media organisations to strictly comply with Section 72 of the BNS. Section 23 of the POCSO Act also prohibits revealing the identity of a victim of sexual assault or a minor child. The prohibition applies to directly or indirectly revealing the victim’s identity. Asked to provide separate space for safety-related information The bench said that the district administration should immediately hold a meeting with media organisations. A separate column in newspapers and dedicated time on electronic media should be allocated. They should provide information about safety measures and the phone numbers to contact for immediate help can be obtained in case of a threat. The Supreme Court said it was confident that print and electronic media would fulfil this responsibility. Media organisations would provide a separate column or time slot for such numbers free of charge, that is, pro bono. Liz Mathew appointed amicus The Supreme Court said, “We appoint Liz Mathew, senior advocate, as amicus. She will assist the court on this serious issue.” The bench directed the registry to provide the amicus with a copy of the order and the related newspaper clippings as soon as possible. The registry was also directed to inform the amicus about the order at the earliest. ​