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SC agrees to examine IPC section relating to disclosing rape victims’s identity
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) The Supreme Court, while questioning how the identity of minor or unsound mind rape victims could be disclosed, on Tuesday said it would examine the aspect related to the Indian Penal Code’s Section 228-A, dealing with identity of victims of sexual offences.
“How could the identity of a rape victim who is alive and minor or unsound mind be disclosed even after getting consent from her parents,” asked a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta.
“Why should the identity of a minor victim be disclosed just because her parents have given consent… Even if a person is of unsound mind, she has a right to privacy. A minor will become major. Why should this stigma be there for life?” they asked, also questioning disclosure of the identity of rape victims who had died.
“Think of the dignity of dead also. Media reporting can be done without naming or shaming them. The dead also have dignity,” they added.
The bench also raised the issue of power of parents giving consent to disclose the name of their minor rape victim child, saying if the parents are poor, they may be given money to disclose the name.
Saying that it will clarify the issue, the bench asked views of the Central government, which sought time.
The court’s observation came after senior advocate Indira Jaising, assisting the court as amicus curiae in case relating to sexual offences, raised the issue of Section 228-A and sought clarification on it.
She said the court has to clarify the issue as there cannot be a blanket ban on the media from reporting such incidents and the court have to balance freedom of press and the rights of the victim.
“I can’t agree with such draconian ban to freedom of press and civil societies,” she added.
Indirectly referring to the recent Kathua incident, the advocate said the victim had died and thousands of people seeking justice for the victim not only in India but also internationally.
The eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped and killed near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu region on January 10.
Section 228 A of the IPC lays down the provision barring the disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences.
As per it, whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of any person against whom a rape/ sexual offence is alleged or found to have been committed shall be punished up to maximum two years of jail and fine.
But, there are circumstances under which the identity can be revealed like where the victim is dead or minor or of unsound mind, by, or with the authorisation in writing of, the next of kin of the victim, “provided that no such authorisation shall be given by the next of kin to anybody other than the chairman or the secretary, by whatever name called, of any recognised welfare institution or organization”.
The court now listed the matter for hearing on May 8.
The bench was hearing the pleas filed after the gangrape and murder case of a paramedical student on December 16, 2012 raising concerns over safety and security of women.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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