Media cannot reveal identity of sexual assault survivors, even if they are dead, says Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday has issued guidelines that the media organisations and law-enforcement agencies cannot reveal the identity of sexual assault survivors, even if the victims are dead. The apex court has laid down a number of guidelines in this regard. The Court further added that survivors'names cannot be used at public rallies or on any social media platforms. NDTV reported, the Supreme Court ruled that the police or forensic authorities also cannot disclose the names of sexual assault survivors either, even if they have the parents' consent. Adding to it, the SC said that the FIRs of sexual assault cases, especially those including the minors, should not be put on the public domain. The report further claimed that the top court expressed regret over the social boycott, isolation and harassment that the rape survivors are subjected to after the assault. "It is unfortunate that rape survivors are treated as untouchables in society," news agency PTI reported. Meanwhile, the issued guidelines also asked the States and Union Territories to include other protective measures for the survivors. This includes the installation of 'one-stop centres' in each district within a year, to counsel and rehabilitate rape survivors. Source: Times Now