'Media should be careful while reporting crimes on women'

Chennai, Feb 28: Press Council of India chairman Justice Markandey Katju on Tuesday advised the media to exercise restraint while reporting crimes on women, particularly sexual assault, saying their chances of getting married would be hit if it was done.

"The woman's name should not be published, particularly if she is unmarried in the case of sexual assault, then her chances of getting married will get jeopardised. It should not damage their marriage prospects," he told PTI.

Since India is a 'conservative' country, publishing their names might harm their marriage prospects, he said. "If you publish a report that a woman has been raped or whatever, people may not like to marry her. They should avoid mentioning her name."

Earlier, he chaired the second Sitting of Inquiry Committee and heard cases involving media houses. One case involved an Andhra Pradesh-based nurse (complainant) who alleged her name was telecast on TV channels and published newspapers after she was sexually assaulted.

"Why did you publish her name? You are not bothered. You want sensation," Katju told the respondent and gave them one month to file a reply. Katju also said that a circular on this regard would be sent to all media houses in the country.

PTI