Section 72 in THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 – BNS

Disclosure of
identity of
victim of
certain
offences, etc.

  1. (1) Whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known
    the identity of any person against whom an offence under section 64 or section 65 or
    section 66 or section 67 or section 68 or section 69 or section 70 or section 71 is alleged or
    found to have been committed (hereafter in this section referred to as the victim) shall be
    punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years
    and shall also be liable to fine.
    (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) extends to any printing or publication of the name or
    any matter which may make known the identity of the victim if such printing or publication
    is—
    (a) by or under the order in writing of the officer-in-charge of the police station
    or the police officer making the investigation into such offence acting in good faith for
    the purposes of such investigation; or
    (b) by, or with the authorisation in writing of, the victim; or
    (c) where the victim is dead or a child or of unsound mind, by, or with the
    authorisation in writing of, the next of kin of the victim:
    Provided that no such authorisation shall be given by the next of kin to anybody other
    than the chairman or the secretary, by whatever name called, of any recognised welfare
    institution or organisation.
    Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “recognised welfare institution
    or organisation” means a social welfare institution or organisation recognised in this behalf
    by the Central Government or the State Government.