New Delhi: In a significant directive, the Supreme Court has ordered the removal of all images of the victim in the Kolkata rape and murder case from social media platforms. The court issued this ruling on Tuesday while hearing a petition that emphasised the need to protect the identity of the victim, as mandated by law. The petitioner argued that despite the legal restrictions, the victim’s photographs were circulating on social media, violating her privacy and impacting her family’s reputation.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, instructed social media platforms and relevant authorities to take immediate action in removing the images. The bench stressed that revealing the identity of rape victims is a violation of their dignity and privacy under the law.
The petition named several social media giants and central government ministries as respondents. Previously, the Calcutta High Court had also urged people not to share the victim’s identity, expressing concern over the widespread circulation of her photograph.
The Supreme Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the case and is currently overseeing the investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with probing the incident and is expected to submit a status report by 22nd August. The court also ordered the formation of a National Task Force to examine the safety measures in place for doctors working in hospitals across the country.
During the hearing, the bench highlighted serious concerns regarding the conduct of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal, who allegedly attempted to frame the incident as a suicide. The court questioned how the principal, under scrutiny for his actions, was swiftly transferred to another institution.
The bench noted that the tragic incident has sparked nationwide protests, drawing attention to the persistent lack of institutional safeguards for medical professionals. The court acknowledged that medical associations have long raised concerns over the rising instances of violence against doctors, which has yet to be adequately addressed.
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