IPC 228A — Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Statutory text

[228A. Disclosure of identity  of   the   victim   of   certain offences, etc.--(1) Whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of   any   person   against  whom an offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C or section 376D is alleged or found to have been committed (hereafter  in this section referred to as the victim)   shall   be   punished   with

imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to  two years and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Nothing in sub-section  (1)   extends   to   any printing  or publication of the name or any  matter  which  may   make   known  the identity of the victim if such printing or publication is-
(a) by or under the order in   writing   of  the officer-in-charge of the police station or the police officer   making   the investigation into such offence acting   in   good  faith for the purposes of such investigation; or (b) by, or with the authorisation in writing of, the victim;
or (c) where the victim is dead or minor or of   unsound mind, by, or with the authorisation in  writing of, the  next-of-kin of the victim:
Provided that no such authorisation  shall  be given by the next-of-kin to anybody other   than   the  chairman  or  the  secretary, by whatever name called, of any   recognised   welfare   institution   or organisation.
Explanation.-For the purposes of  this   sub-section, "recognised welfare institution   or organisation"   means   a    social   welfare institution or organisation  recognised in  this behalf by the Central or State Government.
(3) Whoever prints or publishes any   matter  in relation to any proceeding before a court with respect to an offence   referred  to in sub-section (1) without the previous permission of such court shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term  which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.-The printing or publication of the judgment of any High Court or the Supreme Court does not amount to an offence within the meaning of this section.]

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