Can accused seek removal of verdict after acquittal?

CAN an accused, after being acquitted in a criminal case, seek removal of the judgment revealing his identity from the public domain under the right to be forgotten? The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine this knotty issue in detail and settle the law.

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud was hearing an appeal by Bengaluru-based legal website Indian Kanoon against a Madras High Court order asking it take to down a judgment that revealed the identity of a person who was acquitted in a rape and cheating case.

Indian Kanoon's counsel told the court that the law on the issue appears to be unclear because the high courts of Gujarat and Kerala have earlier ruled that there was no right to be forgotten in such cases.