Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc
What this section does
This section prohibits printing or publishing the name or any identifying information of a victim of specified sexual offences. It provides limited exceptions for authorised disclosures by police, the victim, or next of kin in prescribed circumstances. Violation is punishable with imprisonment up to two years and fine.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused printed or published the name or any matter that could identify the victim
- The victim is a person against whom an offence under sections 64–71 is alleged or found to have been committed
- The printing or publication was not covered by any of the statutory exceptions (police order in good faith, victim's written authorisation, or next-of-kin authorisation where victim is dead, a child, or of unsound mind)
Practitioner note
Next-of-kin authorisation can only be given to the chairman or secretary of a recognised welfare institution or organisation (Central or State Government recognised). Publication of High Court or Supreme Court judgments is not covered by this section's prohibition (see section 73 Explanation).
Derived from IPC s.228A.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 72, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 72 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.