New Delhi
On Friday, the Delhi High Court declined to consider a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at stopping the media from revealing the name of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal and the details of the FIR related to an assault case. The petition was filed by lawyer Sanser Pal Singh, who called for action against news and social media platforms for allegedly disclosing Maliwal’s identity.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, was arrested on May 18 for allegedly assaulting Maliwal on May 13 and is currently in judicial custody. A division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora, criticized the petitioner, suggesting the plea had political motives.
The court questioned Singh’s right to file the PIL, noting that Maliwal herself had been discussing the case with the media. This petition has a political tint. It is very apparent. You have done this only for publicity, the bench remarked. Following these comments, Singh withdrew the plea. Media reports on May 14 highlighted a phone call to the Police Control Room about an assault involving Maliwal.
Singh was shocked to see the FIR details being publicly circulated by news channels and on social media. The petition stressed the importance of protecting victims’ identities to maintain their dignity and prevent further trauma. It urged the court to ensure that such sensitive information remains confidential, especially in cases involving rape, molestation, and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).
