HC tells State to pay Rs 25L to victim for disclosing identity

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice SS Sundar said, “Though the victim filed a complaint with a hope that her identity would be protected, the police failed her by disclosing it to the media by revealing her name, her brother’s name and even that of her college.”

Observing that such a disclosure was contrary to section 228(A) of the IPC and Supreme Court directions, the bench said, “It is stated that more than 100 girls are victimised and thousands of incriminating videos have been taken. Those affected people may not have the courage to give a complaint to the police fearing exposure of identity. The purpose of non-disclosure of identity has not been understood by the officials who are responsible even for issuing the GO.”

“Since the victim’s name has been disclosed, great damage has been caused and therefore she must be compensated for violation of privacy, dignity and image. Hence at least a sum of Rs 25 lakh must be paid to the victim,” the bench added.