Karnataka Police tighten norms to safeguard identity of sexual assault survivors

Bengaluru: In a landmark administrative reform, Karnataka DGP M. A. Saleem has enforced stricter compliance measures to protect the identity of women and minor victims in sexual assault cases, aligning state procedures with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India.

The directive makes it unequivocally clear that no personal details of survivors — including names, residential addresses or any information that could reveal identity — should be made public or recorded in accessible documents.

Under the revised protocol, police officers registering complaints must assign a pseudonym to the survivor immediately after receiving the complaint. The FIR must carry only the pseudonym, accompanied by a note stating that the name has been changed to ensure confidentiality.

Additionally, documents such as complaint copies, mahazar reports, medical records and charge sheets must be submitted before courts strictly in sealed covers. This step aims to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Officials have been instructed to maintain vigilance at every stage of investigation to avoid leaks. The order acknowledges that exposure of identity often leads to social stigma, harassment and psychological trauma, discouraging survivors from fully participating in the legal process.

Legal experts note that the move strengthens victim-centric policing and reinforces constitutional protections of dignity and privacy. By institutionalising sealed documentation and pseudonymous records, the police department aims to ensure that survivors can seek justice without fear of public scrutiny or humiliation.

The reform is expected to significantly enhance trust in law enforcement and encourage reporting of sexual offences, marking a progressive step toward survivor-sensitive justice delivery in Karnataka.

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