Safeguarding Victims and Juveniles in Conflict with Law
| Category | Key Law | Confidentiality Provision | Penalty for Breach |
| Sexual Offence Victims | BNS, 2023 – Sec. 72 | Ban on identity disclosure for Sec. 64 – 71 offences | Up to 2 yrs’ imprisonment + fine |
| Child Sexual Abuse Victims | POCSO Act, 2012 – Sec. 23 | Identity disclosure prohibited except by court in best interest | 6 months – 1 yr imprisonment / fine / both |
| Juvenile Victims | JJ Act, 2015 – Sec. 74 | Identity protection in all media and communications | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment / ₹2L fine / both |
| Child in Conflict with Law (minor accused) | JJ Act, 2015 – Sec. 74 | No name, photo, address or school may be revealed | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment / ₹2L fine / both |
| Acid Attack Survivors | SC rulings (Laxmi v. Union of India); Article 21 | Judicial mandates demand anonymity for dignity and safety | BNS Sec. 72 or court sanctions may apply |
| Trafficking Victims | POCSO, JJ Act, BNS | Multi-law protection; strictest for children | BNS Sec. 72, POCSO Sec. 23, JJ Sec. 74 |
| Domestic Violence Victims | DV Act, 2005 – Sec. 16 | In-camera proceedings recommended; privacy ensured | No direct penalty; BNS Sec. 72 may apply in case of sexual violence |
| POSH Victims | POSH Act, 2013 – Sec. 16 | Identity disclosure barred in all formats | ₹5,000 fine + disciplinary action |
| Cybercrime Victims | IT Act, 2000 – Sec. 66E, 67, 67A, 66C, 66D | Protects against misuse of private images, impersonation, or explicit content | BNS Sec. 72 may apply along with penal Sections under IT Act |
| Honour-Based Crime Victims | SC rulings (Shakti Vahini v. Union of India); Article 21 | Victim details protected via judicial and constitutional safeguards | BNS Sec. 72 or court sanctions may apply |
Best Practices for Officers:
- Use coded identifiers (e.g., “Victim A”, “Child X”)
- Mark documents as Confidential
- Conduct interviews and statements in-camera
- Never share identifiable info via unauthorized channels
Note: Along with police officers, the media, the general public, and other professionals are also mandated to protect the identity of such victims.
