October 8, 2021:
As a result of the identity of a minor victim not being kept confidential and widely publicized in the internet social media, in the alleged case of Mr. James Lalramliana, a self proclaimed minister of a certain cult in Sailutar, MSCPCR had called for a Press Briefing on October 8, 2021. Dr. C. Lalsangzuala, Chairperson, MSCPCR in his Press Briefing had reminded the public that confidentiality of victim(s) of children in need of care and protection, particularly of POCSO cases should be maintained at all costs.
Reiterating JJ Act, Section 74, the Chairperson had warned that - (1) No report in any newspaper, magazine, news-sheet or audio-visual media or other forms of communication regarding any inquiry or investigation or judicial procedure, shall disclose the name, address or school or any other particular, which may lead to the identification of a child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection or a child victim or witness of a crime, involved in such matter, under any other law for the time being in force, nor shall the picture of any such child be published. (2) The Police shall not disclose any record of the child for the purpose of character certificate or otherwise in cases where the case has been closed or disposed of. (3) Any person contravening the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or fine which may extend to two lakh rupees or both.
