The Delhi High Court on Tuesday strongly reprimanded the Central Government for making public the identity of a woman who was a victim of sexual harassment at the workplace. The court raised questions as to how the name of the victim was published in the POSH Handbook issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development when the law prohibits revealing the identity of a victim of a sexual crime.
'The government itself is publishing a handbook revealing names'
During the hearing, the High Court asked the Central Government how permission could be given to publish and broadcast material revealing the identity of the victim. The court made it clear that the government will also have to follow the law and making public the identity of a victim of a sexual crime is a punishable act.
The court's comments came during the hearing of the petition, in which the petitioner said that the related dispute has now been resolved and instructions should be given to remove his name from the POSH Handbook. During the hearing of the case, Delhi High Court asked to present the names of the officers related to the material published in the handbook. After this the court adjourned the hearing of the case.
Why is privacy important under POSH law?
Confidentiality of the victim's identity is considered extremely important in cases related to sexual harassment at the workplace. The purpose of the law is to protect the victim from social pressure, stigma and possible harassment. In such a situation, disclosure of identity in any official document issued at the government level raises serious questions.
This comment of the Delhi High Court underlines that under the POSH Act, it is mandatory for everyone to ensure protection of the privacy and identity of the victim, whether it is a private institution or a government department.
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