New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought an
explanation from Jammu and Kashmir government for allegedly
making public names and addresses of rape victims in the
state.
A bench headed by RM Lodha also sought a response from
the Centre on the alleged violation of rules by the state
government by making the names of victim public in the
legislative assembly.
"Identity of the rape victim has to be withhold and
cannot be disclosed," the bench said while issuing a notice to
the government.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by a Jammu-based
journalist Rajiv Chuni alleging the state government has
flouted and disregarding the broad parameters laid down by the
apex court in the interest rape victims.
"Due to the unconcern and transgression shown by none
other than the protectors of the state, they have facilitated
blatant misuse of authority of law though their job delegated
under the constitution of India is to protect the people`s
right," Chunni said in his petition.
"Among women who are subjected to sexual assault or rape,
only a small percentage would come forward to give complaint
against the culprit to the police, others are not coming due
to the social constraints.
But now this derogatory and deceitful act of the
respondents, they will be furthermore discouraged to come
forward and depose before the court of law or challenge this
order of the respondents due to fear of getting further
exposed and being cheated by the law enforcers," the petition
said.
PTI
