J U D G M E N T Dated this the 19^th day of March, 2026 Syam Kumar V. M., J.

This writ petition is filed inter alia seeking direction to protect the identity of the accused persons in rape and sexual offence cases, on the premise that similar protection has already been afforded to the victims of such offences. A further prayer has also been sought to put in place a gender-neutral legal framework as well as to evolve suitable guideline for recognising and addressing sexual offences against male victims.

2. Pursuant to the direction of this Court, an affidavit has been filed by the 4^th respondent detailing the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the point and also explaining the legal position from the constitutional angle under Article

19(1)(a) as well as the right of the media.

3. We have heard Mr. Muhammed Bilal S., who is appearing in person.

4. The crux of the contentions put forth by the petitioner is that insofar as the names and details of the accused are made available to the media, there is a possibility of their name being tarnished even before a trial takes place and a final decision is arrived at in the matter by the criminal court. There is a substantial possibility