Delhi High Court Upholds ₹5 Lakh Compensation Against Aaj Tak For Revealing Child Sexual Abuse Survivor's Identity

The Delhi High Court has upheld an order directing TV Today Network Ltd., which operates the Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, to pay ₹5 lakh as compensation for violating the privacy and confidentiality of a child sexual abuse survivor by broadcasting details that enabled her identification.

A Division Bench of Justice C. Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla dismissed the broadcaster's appeal, holding that media organisations perform a public function and are constitutionally bound to respect and protect fundamental rights, including the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The case arose from a 2005 incident involving allegations of sexual assault by the child's father. Although the survivor's mother refused to cooperate with Aaj Tak and declined to give an interview, the channel aired the father's name, official designation, workplace, the family's locality, visuals of their residence, and the mother's voice, making it possible to identify the child.

Rejecting the broadcaster's argument that a writ petition was not maintainable against a private media organisation, the Court ruled that entities performing public functions can be subjected to judicial review under Article 226 when fundamental rights are violated.

The Bench strongly criticised the channel's conduct, observing that the telecast appeared driven by the pursuit of higher television ratings at the cost of a child's constitutional rights. It also held that the broadcast violated the Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct, which prohibit disclosure of information capable of identifying child victims of sexual offences.

Affirming the ₹5 lakh compensation awarded by the Single Judge, the Court held that public law compensation is an appropriate remedy for violation of fundamental rights. The remaining amount has been directed to be paid within four weeks, failing which it will carry interest at 12% per annum. The matter is listed for compliance on August 12, 2026.