Gujarat High Court Refuses to Quash Case Against Lawyer for Revealing Minor’s Identity in POCSO Case

The Gujarat High Court declined to quash a criminal case against a lawyer who disclosed the identity of a minor victim during a media interview in a POCSO matter.

Justice Nirzar S Desai condemned the lawyer’s conduct as “absolutely irresponsible,” highlighting her professional duty to protect the victim’s privacy. The court noted the lawyer influenced the victim to speak on social media and stressed that a thorough investigation is needed.

The Court rejected arguments of inadvertent mistake or non-cognizable offence and held that being an advocate does not exempt the lawyer from investigation. The FIR invokes Section 23(4) of the POCSO Act and Section 74(3) of the Juvenile Justice Act.