Section 72 of BNS : Section 72: Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Rita, a 25-year-old woman, was a victim of sexual assault under Section 64 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. A local newspaper, in an attempt to report the crime, published her name and address. This act of publishing her identity without her consent or any legal authorization is a violation of Section 72. The editor of the newspaper could be punished with imprisonment for up to two years and may also be liable to pay a fine.

Example 2:

A 14-year-old boy, Arjun, was a victim of an offence under Section 67 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. During the investigation, the police officer in charge needed to publish certain details to gather more evidence and witnesses. The officer obtained a written order from the police station's officer-in-charge to publish Arjun's identity for the purpose of the investigation. This publication is legally permissible under Section 72(2)(a) as it was done in good faith for the investigation.

Example 3:

Meera, a 30-year-old woman, was a victim of an offence under Section 70 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. She decided to share her story publicly to raise awareness and authorized a journalist in writing to publish her name and details. This act of publication is legally permissible under Section 72(2)(b) as it was done with the victim's written authorization.

Example 4:

Rohan, a 10-year-old boy, was a victim of an offence under Section 66 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Unfortunately, Rohan is of unsound mind and cannot provide consent. His parents, being his next of kin, authorized a recognized welfare organization to publish his identity to seek public support and assistance. This publication is legally permissible under Section 72(2)(c) as it was done with the written authorization of the next of kin and the welfare organization is recognized by the government.