National Desk
12 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist Research Analysist
The Kerala High Court today dismissed a POCSO case filed against six journalists from Malayalam news channel Asianet. The case was related to a program aired two years ago about the harmful effects of drug abuse, which allegedly revealed the identity of a minor girl who was a victim of sexual assault.
The prosecution had accused the journalists of exposing the minor’s identity in the program titled “Narcotics is a Dirty Business”. It was also alleged that the program was part of a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the state government. The government counsel claimed that the minor victim’s identity was revealed through the use of her voice in the program and by using the daughter of one of the accused journalists to enact a dramatized version of the victim’s story. They also alleged manipulation of the original video footage used in the report.
However, Justice A. Badharudeen, who heard the case, rejected the claim that the dramatized version was done with malicious intent. The court observed that the journalists had taken appropriate measures to protect the identity of the minor by altering the face and ensuring that the depiction did not reveal personal details.
The judge stated that the intention behind the broadcast was to raise awareness about the dangers of narcotic drugs and not to defame anyone or violate any law. The court emphasized the importance of media freedom and responsible journalism, while also noting the need for caution in reporting sensitive issues involving minors.
With this verdict, the six journalists have been cleared of all charges under the POCSO Act, bringing relief to the media fraternity and reinforcing the legal protections available to journalists reporting in public interest.