Srinagar, August 23 : The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has sought an explanation from its Registry after the identity of a victim/complainant was disclosed in a petition placed before the Court.
Justice Shahzad Azeem, while dealing with the matter, observed that the disclosure of the victim/complainant’s name by the petitioner warranted an explanation from the Registry regarding the manner in which the petition was entertained.
The Court noted that the Registry was required to follow the directions and circulars issued from time to time concerning the non-disclosure and protection of the identities of victims, particularly in matters involving sensitive criminal proceedings.
The observation came after counsel appearing for the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the petition. The Court accordingly dismissed the petition as withdrawn, while simultaneously directing the Registry to explain how the matter had been entertained despite the existing instructions on maintaining confidentiality of victims’ identities.
Justice Shahzad Azeem’s direction underscores the importance of strict compliance with judicial safeguards relating to victim privacy and confidentiality.
The Court’s intervention also reiterates that the identity of victims or complainants in sensitive cases must be handled with due care and in accordance with the established judicial directions and procedural safeguards.
The Registry has now been asked to clarify the circumstances under which the petition containing the disclosed identity was accepted and entertained by the Court. (KNC)
