Not necessary to disclose identity of rape, sexual assault victims to arouse public opinion: SC

The Supreme Court Tuesday said it is not necessary to disclose the identity of victims of rape and sexual assault to "arouse public opinion and sentiment" as these issues need to be dealt with sensitively.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said this while refusing to agree with an argument that in certain matters, the victim's name should be allowed to be disclosed as her name and face could become a "rallying point" to prevent other such sexual offences.

It was also argued before the court that in such a case, the victim becomes a symbol of protest or is treated as an iconic figure.

"We are also of the considered view that it is not at all necessary to disclose the identity of the victim to arouse public opinion and sentiment. This is a serious issue dealing with victims of heinous sexual offences and needs to be dealt with sensitivity," the bench said.

Referring to the infamous December 16, 2012 gangrape and murder case in Delhi, the bench said: "All of us are fully aware that without disclosing her true identity 'Nirbhaya' became the most effective symbol of protest the country has ever known.

"If a campaign has to be started to protect the rights of the victim and mobilise public opinion it can be done so without disclosing her identity."