MIB reminds TV channels to refrain from disclosing identity of sexual abuse victims

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) recently advised all private satellite TV channels to ensure strict compliance with the Ministry’s advisories issued in the past in pursuance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders in the matter of disclosure of identity of sexual abuse victims.

The Ministry had earlier advised private satellite TV channels to ensure that the photographs of sexual abuse victims should not be displayed either in blurred or morphed form in public intterest and for the safety, mental, and physical health of the sexual abuse victim.

Th Ministry in its advisory dated 10th January 2022 noted that certain TV channels have disclosed the identity of a rape victim or sexually assaulted victim by showing the face or revealing the personal details of the victim. The Ministry noted that the same was not in consonance with the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

The Ministry has advised TV channels to strictly refrain from disclosing identity of sexually assualted victims in any manner and exercise restraint while reporting such matters. The TV channels have also been urged to follow the provisions contained in the Programme & Advertising Codes with responsibility and sensitivity while following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court scrupulously.