Scurrilous Insinuations

In the last few weeks, the issue of the alleged rape of a nun has been asubject of media attention, particularly in the local media. But if we look athow a section of the media has launched a seemingly motivated campaign vilifyingthe alleged victims, it is a matter of serious concern. While the role of themedia in the larger context of the ongoing crisis in Kandhamal needs to beexamined, I am responding here to the issue of a nun's rape, which one newspaperhas described as the 'main issue'.

In a local Oriya daily, Dharitri, which is owned and edited by TathagathaSatpathy, a sitting MP (BJD) from Orissa, a number of articles have beenpublished questioning the veracity of the allegation of rape. The Samaj,another Oriya daily, has been carrying reports arguing that the allegation ofrape is a blatant lie. No doubt, it is the duty and right of the press to bringout all facts relevant to a particular issue if there is sufficientreason/evidence to believe that it is true and its publication will be forpublic good. This is the standard norm of professionalism for the press as setby the Press Council of India.

Had the newspapers under discussion confined its writings to the facts of thematter to prove that the allegation of rape is false, nobody would have objectedto it. What is objectionable and condemnable is that the arguments put forwardin these articles/reports are not confined to the relevant facts of the matterbut have delved into the private space of the individuals concerned, questioningthe sexual life of the victims. For the information of those who haven't had thechance to read these writings, I am giving below the gist of the arguments asreported by these newspapers:

• In the medical reports, there is no sign of violence or forced action on any private parts of her body;
  
  
• On the other hand, there was evidence of the nun having had a physical relation with one person within 24 hours preceding the incident (of the medical test)
  
  
• But the doctors didn't get any evidence of the nun being 'enjoyed' by more than one man;
  
  
• Further, the semen found on her body didn't have the sperm in it and that this could be so only in case of elderly, old or impotent persons;
  
  
• Two lady doctors have conducted the medical test of the nun and have given the view that prior to the incident the nun was experienced in sexual intercourse;
  
  
• The forensic tests, done on the clothes that the nun was wearing during the time of rape, do not show any evidence of rape;
  
  
• Going by her statement to the press, it seems she had no such regrets.
  
  
• The fact that even after the newspapers have reported about the character of the nun and have the evidence to prove that the allegation of rape is a blatant lie, the Christian community has not protested any of these reports. Their silence proves that they have accepted what the newspapers have reported.

It needs to be noted that the newspapers have made a reference to the case ofanother alleged rape of a nun which took place in 1999 in Orissa. As in thepresent case, the newspapers have also questioned the sexual integrity of theconcerned nun in the earlier case, quoting the medical report which, 'afterexamining the private parts' of the victim, reportedly mentioned that the'unmarried nun' was not only not raped but 'she was experienced in having sexualintercourse with man'.

The Press Council of India has clear guidelines for the Press while reportingcrime involving rape of women. But none of these is being followed by thesenewspapers.

By publishing such defamatory writings the publishers and editors of theconcerned newspapers have clearly violated the norms of responsible journalism.While this matter should be brought to the notice of the Press Council of India,I think the response of the civil society organizations, women's groups andconcerned individuals will matter most if we want to see the media refrain fromsuch scurrilous writings while reporting incidents of rape.

Judging a victim of rape by her past or present sexual life continues to bethe norm in our society. In the present instance, before the case is admitted inthe courts of law, the newspapers have tried the case and pronounced thejudgement -- the victim is condemned to be guilty on the basis of her sexuallife.

I would like to know the views of others on this issue and invite suggestions onwhat collective actions could be taken.

Pramodini Pradhan is with PUCL, Orissa