Chennai: Press Council of India chairman
Justice Markandey Katju on Tuesday advised the media to exercise
restraint while reporting crimes on women, particularly sexual
assault, saying their chances of getting married would be hit
if it was done.
"The woman`s name should not be published, particularly if
she is unmarried in the case of sexual assault, then her
chances of getting married will get jeopardised. It should not
damage their marriage prospects," he said.
Since India is a `conservative` country, publishing their
names might harm their marriage prospects, he said. "If you
publish a report that a woman has been raped or whatever,
people may not like to marry her. They should avoid mentioning
her name."
Earlier, he chaired the second Sitting of Inquiry
Committee and heard cases involving media houses.
One case involved an Andhra Pradesh-based nurse
(complainant) who alleged her name was telecast on TV channels
and published newspapers after she was sexually assaulted.
"Why did you publish her name? You are not bothered. You want
sensation," Katju told the respondent and gave them one month
to file a reply.
Katju also said that a circular on this regard would be
sent to all media houses in the country.
PTI
