ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Mukta JoshiSubscribe to Mukta Joshi

A Crisis of Identity

Current media reportage of sexual assault cases in India not only violates journalistic norms but also gravely impacts the victim’s right to privacy. Against the backdrop of the Kathua gang rape and the #MeToo movement, this paper argues that the law surrounding the identification of sexual assault victims must be amended to help better secure justice for victims, while also ensuring that their dignity is safeguarded. Adult victims ought to be granted statutory agency to speak out regarding instances of sexual violence they have faced although separate guidelines are required for the reporting of child sexual assault. Additionally, the ethical guidelines governing media reportage of sexual violence must be revisited. With respect to #MeToo, while media houses should report accusations, they are also required to ensure that pronouncements of guilt are not being made

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