Kerala High Court Closes Complainant's Plea Challenging Police's Notice Of Appearance In Sexual Harassment Case Against Rapper Vedan

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 23) closed a petition filed by de-facto complainant challenging a notice directing to appear before Ernakulam Central Police for recording her statement in a case filed against Rapper Vedan. 

Justice C Pradeep Kumar, closed the petition, when it was informed by the public prosecutor that the Station house Officer (SHO) withdrew the impugned notice.

The petitioner had submitted that in the bail application of Rapper Vedan, sought wherein he has been accused of rape on the false promise to marry, the visual media has published details of the de facto complainant who was impleaded as additional respondent therein. It was argued that this has resulted in massive cyber attacks against the victim. 

The petitioner, stated that she apprehends that her identity and allegations made by her will also be published if she appears before the police for recording statement. 

It was also submitted that Section 72(1) of Bharatiya Nyaaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) prohibits the disclosure of victims identities to protect the dignity, privacy and emotional well-being of the victims, emphasising the need to prioritize the welfare of the victim. 

When the matter came up for consideration today, it was informed that the notice issued directing appearance of the petitioner has been withdrawn. The Court thus, closed the petition. 

Case Title: X X v State of Kerala 

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 673

Counsel for Petitioner: Jai George, K T Shyamkumar, Daisy A Philipose, Darshan A D