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Section 23: Procedure for media

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

Statutory Regulation
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Act 2012
Section 22 All 46 Sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 Section 24
Statutory Defined Terms in this Section: (Click any term for official legal definition)
Child Sec 2(1)(d)

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 23

Section 23 establishes a strict statutory ban on media disclosure of a child victim's identity, safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and future well-being of abused minors.

  • Absolute Identity Anonymity: Prohibits publishing or broadcasting the name, address, school, photograph, family details, or any information leading to identification.
  • Comprehensive Media Scope: Binds print newspapers, television channels, digital portals, YouTube creators, social media accounts, and independent bloggers.
  • Strict Sanctions for Disclosure: Violators face imprisonment for not less than six months extending up to one year, along with punitive fines.
  • Narrow Judicial Exception: Disclosure is permissible only when the Special Court specifically permits it in writing as being in the best interest of the child.

Section 23 creates an impenetrable privacy shield around minor victims, preventing media sensationalism and social stigma from permanently destroying a child's life.

Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Nipun Saxena v. Union of India (2019) 2 SCC 703: Laid down absolute nationwide directions prohibiting the disclosure of identity of rape and POCSO victims in print, television, digital, or social media, even after death.
Legal Commentary:

Section 23 establishes an impenetrable barrier protecting minor victims from media sensationalism, societal ostracization, and digital harassment throughout their lives.

Section 22 All 46 Sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 Section 24