The Supreme Court today sought an explanation from Jammu and Kashmir government for allegedly making public names and addresses of rape victims in the state. A bench headed by R M Lodha also sought a response from the the Centre on the alleged violation of rules by the state government by making the names of victim public in the legislative assembly. "Identity of the rape victim has to be withhold and cannot be disclosed," the bench said while issuing a notice to the government. The court was hearing a PIL filed by a Jammu-based journalist Rajiv Chuni alleging the state government has flouted and disregarding the broad parameters laid down by the apex court in the interest rape victims. "Due to the unconcern and transgression shown by none other than the protectors of the state,they have facilitated blatant misuse of authority of law though their job delegated under the constitution of India is to protect the people's right," Chunni said in his petition. "Among women who are subjected to sexual assault or rape,only a small percentage would come forward to give complaint against the culprit to the police,others are not coming due to the social constraints. But now this derogatory and deceitful act of the respondents,they will be furthermore discouraged to come forward and depose before the court of law or challenge this order of the respondents due to fear of getting further exposed and being cheated by the law enforcers," the petition said.
