Court raps cops for revealing identity of child victim

A Delhi court has pulled up police for revealing in the chargesheet the identity of a nine-year-old girl subjected to sexual assault.

According to provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the identity of a minor should be disclosed during the course of investigation or trial.

While dealing with a case registered at the Tilak Nagar police station under sections of rape and sexual assault, the court noted that police filed a chargesheet and mentioned the name, parentage and address of the minor as well as names and address of her parents.

“Identification of the child victim can be revealed through her/ his address and address of his/ her parents. This is a gross violation of the provision. It is seen that there is blatant violation of provision regarding confidentiality,” said additional sessions judge Nivedita Anil Sharma.

The court directed the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) concerned to ensure that in future no chargesheet should disclose the name and address of child victims.

The court directed that the name and address of the minor in the said chargesheet and annexures be covered with fluid. The names and address of her parents be also covered, it said.

The court said the name and addresses of the minor and her parents will remain in police files but confidential.