{"id":6601,"date":"2025-07-23T04:59:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T04:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=6601"},"modified":"2025-07-23T05:03:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T05:03:39","slug":"protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Identities: A Police Officer\u2019s Legal Duty and Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Imperative_of_Protecting_Identity\"><\/span>The Imperative of Protecting Identity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Law enforcement officers are ethically and legally bound to rigorously safeguard victim identities, especially in sensitive cases. This fundamental duty is paramount for ensuring victim safety, preventing re-traumatization, and fostering the vital trust necessary for crucial cooperation.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#The_Imperative_of_Protecting_Identity\" >The Imperative of Protecting Identity<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Cases_Mandating_Victim_Identity_Protection\" >Cases Mandating Victim Identity Protection<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Victims_of_Rape_and_Other_Sexual_Offences\" >Victims of Rape and Other Sexual Offences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Child_Sexual_Abuse_Victims_POCSO_Act_2012\" >Child Sexual Abuse Victims (POCSO Act, 2012)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Juvenile_Victims_Juvenile_in_Conflict_with_Law_Across_All_Crimes\" >Juvenile Victims \/ Juvenile in Conflict with Law (Across All Crimes)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Acid_Attack_Victims\" >Acid Attack Victims<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Victims_of_Human_Trafficking\" >Victims of Human Trafficking<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Confidentiality_for_Victims_%E2%80%93_Workplace_Sexual_Harassment_and_Domestic_Violence\" >Confidentiality for Victims &#8211; Workplace Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Workplace_Sexual_Harassment\" >Workplace Sexual Harassment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Domestic_Violence\" >Domestic Violence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Victims_of_Cybercrimes\" >Victims of Cybercrimes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Victims_of_Honour-Based_Crimes\" >Victims of Honour-Based Crimes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Cases_Mandating_Accused_Identity_Protection\" >Cases Mandating Accused Identity Protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Supreme_Court_Pronouncements\" >Supreme Court Pronouncements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Consequences_of_Unauthorized_Disclosure\" >Consequences of Unauthorized Disclosure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Essential_Best_Practices_for_Police_Officers\" >Essential Best Practices for Police Officers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/protecting-identities-a-police-officers-legal-duty-and-guide\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Unauthorized disclosure, however, profoundly jeopardizes victims, exposing them to potential harm or retaliation from perpetrators, and significantly undermining their willingness to participate in justice processes.<\/p>\n<p>Such breaches also severely compromise ongoing investigations, potentially tainting evidence or allowing suspects to evade accountability. Furthermore, these grave professional missteps expose officers to severe criminal charges, substantial fines, court contempt, and serious departmental liabilities, thereby eroding public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement. In juvenile cases, the identity of the child in conflict with the law must also be protected.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cases_Mandating_Victim_Identity_Protection\"><\/span>Cases Mandating Victim Identity Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>The identity of victims must <\/b> <strong>never<\/strong><b> be disclosed in the following specific circumstances, as per Indian laws, judicial pronouncements, and ethical standards: <\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Victims_of_Rape_and_Other_Sexual_Offences\"><\/span>Victims of Rape and Other Sexual Offences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Under <strong>Section 72 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023<\/strong>, disclosing the identity of victims of rape, attempted rape, gang rape, or custodial rape is a serious criminal offence.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure no identifiable details \u2013 such as name, photograph, address, or family information \u2013 are recorded or shared in a manner that could reveal the victim&#8217;s identity.<\/li>\n<li>Publishing such identity is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine.<\/li>\n<li>Applies to offences specified in sections 64 to 71 BNS.<\/li>\n<li>Disclosure permitted only:\n<ul>\n<li>By police for investigation (with written order and in good faith);<\/li>\n<li>With the victim&#8217;s written consent;<\/li>\n<li>If the victim is deceased, a minor, or mentally incapacitated, then with written consent of next of kin;<\/li>\n<li>Next of kin may only authorize a recognized welfare institution or organization to disclose the identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Child_Sexual_Abuse_Victims_POCSO_Act_2012\"><\/span>Child Sexual Abuse Victims (POCSO Act, 2012)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The <strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012<\/strong> stringently prohibits revealing any personal details of child victims (under 18 years) in all sexual offence cases.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Includes name, school, photograph, or other identifying information.<\/li>\n<li>Confidentiality must be maintained in FIRs, Case Diaries, Charge Sheets, emails, WhatsApp, social media, and any communication with media.<\/li>\n<li>Section 23 generally prohibits disclosure unless a Special Court specifically permits it in the child&#8217;s best interest.<\/li>\n<li>Violation punishable by imprisonment for six months to one year, a fine, or both.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Juvenile_Victims_Juvenile_in_Conflict_with_Law_Across_All_Crimes\"><\/span>Juvenile Victims \/ Juvenile in Conflict with Law (Across All Crimes)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015<\/strong> protects the identity of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A child in conflict with law;<\/li>\n<li>A child in need of care and protection;<\/li>\n<li>A child victim or witness of a crime \u2013 irrespective of the nature of the crime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Contravention is punishable by imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to two lakh rupees, or both.<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acid_Attack_Victims\"><\/span>Acid Attack Victims<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Identity protection is critical to avoid social stigma, re-traumatization, and threats from perpetrators. Mandated by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Supreme Court ruling in <strong>Laxmi v. Union of India<\/strong>;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Article 21<\/strong> of the Constitution;<\/li>\n<li>NHRC advisories \u2013 to preserve dignity, safety, and facilitate rehabilitation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Victims_of_Human_Trafficking\"><\/span>Victims of Human Trafficking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Protecting the identities of trafficking victims ensures their safety and supports rehabilitation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Child victims: Covered under Section 23 of POCSO Act and Section 74 of JJ Act.<\/li>\n<li>Adult victims: Protection stems from Article 21 and judicial precedents.<\/li>\n<li>Relevant laws include: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, BNS (2023), and BNSS (2023).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Confidentiality_for_Victims_%E2%80%93_Workplace_Sexual_Harassment_and_Domestic_Violence\"><\/span>Confidentiality for Victims &#8211; Workplace Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Workplace_Sexual_Harassment\"><\/span>Workplace Sexual Harassment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For victims of workplace sexual harassment, the <strong>Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act)<\/strong>, mandates strict confidentiality. This includes maintaining rigorous secrecy in all official documents &#8211; such as statements (e.g., under Section 180 BNSS), FIRs, and Case Diaries &#8211; and during all interactions with external entities like non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or support services.<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, <strong>Section 16 of the POSH Act<\/strong> prohibits disclosing the victim&#8217;s identity and case details. A breach of this confidentiality can lead to a monetary penalty of \u20b95,000, disciplinary action, or contempt of court in judicial settings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domestic_Violence\"><\/span>Domestic Violence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unlike the POSH Act, which explicitly penalizes confidentiality breaches, the <strong>Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005<\/strong>, does not contain a specific penal provision for disclosing a victim\u2019s identity. However, <strong>Section 16 of the D.V. Act<\/strong> allows for in-camera proceedings to ensure privacy during hearings.<\/p>\n<p>Should a domestic violence case involve sexual violence, <strong>Section 72 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023<\/strong>, may apply, making such disclosure punishable by up to two years\u2019 imprisonment, a fine, or both. Courts may also invoke <strong>Article 21 of the Constitution<\/strong> or initiate contempt proceedings to safeguard the dignity and confidentiality of victims.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Victims_of_Cybercrimes\"><\/span>Victims of Cybercrimes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Protection for cybercrime victims is primarily established through various provisions of the <strong>Information Technology Act, 2000<\/strong>. Notable sections include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>66E<\/strong> &#8211; Privacy violations<\/li>\n<li><strong>66C<\/strong> &#8211; Identity theft<\/li>\n<li><strong>66D<\/strong> &#8211; Cheating by personation<\/li>\n<li><strong>67<\/strong> &#8211; Publication of obscene material<\/li>\n<li><strong>67A<\/strong> &#8211; Sexually explicit content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, <strong>Section 72 of BNS, 2023<\/strong>, explicitly prohibits disclosure of a victim\u2019s identity in sexual offense cases, potentially covering cybercrimes as well.<\/p>\n<p>For minors, the <strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012<\/strong> &#8211; specifically Sections 13, 14, and 23 &#8211; provides enhanced safeguards against identity exposure and CSAM dissemination.<\/p>\n<p>Judicial pronouncements have reinforced the importance of confidentiality. In <strong>Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)<\/strong>, the Supreme Court established the right to privacy under Article 21. In <strong>Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)<\/strong>, the Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act. Cases like <strong>Nipun Saxena v. Union of India (2019)<\/strong> and <strong>Re: Indian Woman Says Gang-Raped (2014)<\/strong> affirm that identity disclosure in sexual offense cases is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Victims_of_Honour-Based_Crimes\"><\/span>Victims of Honour-Based Crimes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Protecting victims of honour-based crimes, especially in inter-caste or inter-religious relationships, is critical. While no specific anti-honour crime law exists, the Supreme Court&#8217;s directives in <strong>Shakti Vahini v. Union of India<\/strong> mandate state action to protect such individuals.<\/p>\n<p>Honour killings are prosecuted under general penal provisions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sections 100\u2013105 BNS<\/strong> &#8211; Murder<\/li>\n<li><strong>Section 109 BNS<\/strong> &#8211; Attempt to murder<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sections 116 &amp; 117 BNS<\/strong> &#8211; Grievous hurt<\/li>\n<li><strong>Section 351 BNS<\/strong> &#8211; Criminal intimidation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Article 21<\/strong> (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) also provides a foundational legal shield for privacy and protection.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cases_Mandating_Accused_Identity_Protection\"><\/span>Cases Mandating Accused Identity Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015<\/strong>, prohibits disclosure of a minor accused\u2019s identity. This includes name, address, school, and photograph during all legal stages.<\/p>\n<p>Non-compliance is punishable under <strong>Section 74(3)<\/strong> with up to six months&#8217; imprisonment, a fine up to \u20b92 lakh, or both.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_Pronouncements\"><\/span>Supreme Court Pronouncements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In <strong>Nipun Saxena v. Union of India (2019)<\/strong>, the Supreme Court mandated absolute protection of sexual offense victims\u2019 identities. The Court emphasized that even indirect disclosures are prohibited.<\/p>\n<p>The ruling introduced safeguards such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sealing court records<\/li>\n<li>Conducting in-camera proceedings<\/li>\n<li>Criminalizing any identity disclosure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_of_Unauthorized_Disclosure\"><\/span>Consequences of Unauthorized Disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unauthorized disclosure leads to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Criminal prosecution under BNS, JJ Act, POCSO Act<\/li>\n<li>Departmental disciplinary action<\/li>\n<li>Contempt of court for breaching court orders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Best_Practices_for_Police_Officers\"><\/span>Essential Best Practices for Police Officers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>To ensure compliance and victim safety:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use Coded Identifiers:<\/strong> e.g., &#8220;Victim A&#8221;, &#8220;Child X&#8221; in all documentation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In-Camera Proceedings:<\/strong> Prefer private settings for statements and questioning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mark Documents as Confidential:<\/strong> Clearly label all case files accordingly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure Information Sharing:<\/strong> Do not share identifiable information via unauthorized channels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-disclosure of Information:<\/strong> Avoid any information leaks during press interactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For police officers, protecting victim identities is a legal, moral, and professional duty. Statutes like the <strong>BNS (2023)<\/strong>, <strong>POCSO Act<\/strong>, <strong>JJ Act<\/strong>, <strong>POSH Act<\/strong>, and <strong>Article 21<\/strong> of the Constitution enforce this. Breaches can result in criminal charges, disciplinary action, and contempt proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>By following best practices such as using coded identifiers, holding in-camera proceedings, and securing sensitive documentation, officers can uphold justice, maintain public trust, and preserve victim dignity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Imperative of Protecting Identity Law enforcement officers are ethically and legally bound to rigorously safeguard victim identities, especially in sensitive cases. This fundamental duty is paramount for ensuring victim safety, preventing re-traumatization, and fostering the vital trust necessary for crucial cooperation. Unauthorized disclosure, however, profoundly jeopardizes victims, exposing them to potential harm or retaliation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[28],"class_list":{"0":"post-6601","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-criminal-law","7":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6601"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6601\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}