The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj for allegedly revealing the identity of a minor survivor of sexual assault. The case was filed on Wednesday under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which prohibit the disclosure of a child victim's identity.
According to police sources, the complaint was lodged by a woman who claimed that Bharadwaj, during a press conference or public statement, named the minor survivor and disclosed details that could lead to her identification. The survivor's family had earlier requested anonymity to protect her from social stigma and further trauma.
Bharadwaj, who served as the Health Minister in the Delhi government, has denied the allegations, stating that he only referred to the case in general terms without revealing any specific identity. He also accused the police of acting under political pressure from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the centre.
The case has sparked a debate on the responsibilities of public figures in handling sensitive information related to minors. The POCSO Act mandates strict confidentiality in cases involving child sexual abuse, and violation can lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fine, or both.
This is not the first time Bharadwaj has faced legal trouble. He was previously involved in a controversy over alleged remarks against the judiciary. However, this is the first instance where he has been booked for a violation related to child protection laws.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have summoned Bharadwaj for questioning. Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, he could face legal consequences under both criminal and civil laws, including potential disqualification from holding public office.
The incident has also raised questions about the sensitivity of political discourse in India, especially when it involves vulnerable sections of society. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police.
