SC Directs Wikipedia to Take Down Name and Photo of Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Victim

New Delhi: While hearing the suo motu petition on the rape and murder of trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Supreme Court directed, blogging website, Wikipedia to take down the name and photo of the victim, on Tuesday.

Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud said while hearing the petition, “the governing principle is that identity of the victim in rape and murder shall not be disclosed.” “Wikipedia shall therefore comply with the previous order passed”, he stated further while directing the website. 

 Solicitor General Tushar Mehta while representing CBI, informed the top court that Wikipedia is still showing name and photo of victim which is unlawful and does not comply with regulations on disclosing the identity of the victim. 

Prohibition on Revealing Identity of Rape-Victim

Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code states prohibits the publication of any details that may identify a rape victim, including their name. This applies to both adults and minors. 

The Delhi High Court has also ordered that the identity of rape victims must be redacted from all court documents, including FIRs and chargesheets. The Supreme Court has also said that it is appropriate for courts to not name victims in their records. 

All About Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

On August 9, the body of the 31-year-old medic was discovered in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of the hospital.

Autopsy reports reveal that the victim was sexually assaulted and then murdered. Her neck was broken, and she suffered severe injuries, with multiple body parts, including her private areas, bleeding.

Sanjoy Roy, a civic worker, has been arrested in the crime. Roy has confessed to the crime but reportedly shows no remorse, according to local media.

In response to the widespread outrage, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, amid a nationwide call for justice.