Taking note of the alleged child rapes at a shelter home in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Bihar government and the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry on August 2 imposing a blanket ban on publishing any video or images (hidden or morphed) of minor victims.The SC said from now publication of morphed images of the children will not be allowed. It also barred the media from conducting an interview of alleged victims, saying they cannot be compelled to relive the trauma again and again.
A bench of Justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta took suo motu cognizance of the exploitation and assault of more than 30 minor girls, which has shaken the country. Medical reports of 29 inmates have suggested sexual exploitation.
The charge-sheet in the case details a powerful network of police, politicians, administration, and criminals behind the racket. Till now, the police have arrested 11 people in this case, including prime accused Brajesh Thakur, owner of the NGO.
Apex court said the investigating agency would take the help of professional councilors and qualified child psychiatrist in raising questions to the victims.
