The Chief Justice orally observed that such sensationalised reporting will only add to the suffering of the victim and expressed anguish over the same.
He noted that while there were guidelines put in place against revealing the identity of sexual assault victims in media reports, the fines to be paid by an errant media outlet pales in comparison to the gravity of their error.
“Even the Hon’ble Apex Court expressed in these terms, that the National Broadcasting Commission putting fines is peanuts for these acts. The media is only to pay some (fine) of 100s and 1000s of rupees when the damage is irreparable. What this 1000s of rupees could do to that unfortunate lady who was shown in the coverage all over the world, who is already the sufferer and put to shame? We are adding injury to her insult. I’m really very sorry, this is shocking,” Chief Justice Varale said.
Source: Barandbench
