A man accused of rape has petitioned the Kerala High Court, seeking protection for his right to privacy and dignity until the conclusion of his trial. The petitioner has requested the removal of articles published by The New Indian Express and bail orders from the Indian Kanoon website, which disclose his personal information.
The plea emphasizes that even those accused of crimes are entitled to dignity and privacy, as guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. According to the petition, media coverage often violates the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and hinders an accused person’s right to a fair trial.
The petitioner is facing charges under Sections 376(2)(l) and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code. After spending over a month in judicial custody, he was granted bail by the Kerala High Court.
Media Coverage and Privacy Concerns
The petition raises concerns about the impact of media coverage on the accused and their family members, particularly before the trial’s outcome. The articles and bail order on the Indian Kanoon website reportedly include the petitioner’s name and full address, putting his wife and two minor daughters at risk.
The widespread online circulation of these details has also impacted his professional life. The petitioner was forced to step down from some of his roles due to the reputational damage caused by these publications.
The plea also highlights the risks posed by rapid technological advancements, which enable the uncontrolled dissemination of both information and misinformation.
Legal Representation
The petitioner is represented by advocates Geo Paul, Prem Kammath, CR Pramod, Radhika Rajasekharan, S Ashok Kumar, Simi V, Jacob George Pallath, Naveen TU, and Anil K Vincent.
The petitioner has urged the Kerala High Court to intervene and protect his privacy, reputation, and dignity during the ongoing trial.
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