Fri Apr 11 19:24:09 UTC 2025: ## Kerala High Court Dismisses Charges Against Asianet Journalists
**KOCHI, April 12, 2025** – The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed charges against six journalists from Malayalam news channel Asianet. The journalists had been accused of violating the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act by allegedly revealing the identity of a minor girl in a news report on drug abuse two years prior.
The prosecution argued the channel, in its program “Narcotics is a dirty business,” aimed to defame the state government and intentionally disclosed the minor’s identity through her voice. They also alleged impersonation and video doctoring.
However, Justice A. Badharudeen ruled that the girl’s voice was altered to protect her identity, rejecting claims of impersonation. The court found no intention to reveal the victim’s identity and therefore no violation of the POCSO Act. The judge deemed the use of the altered voice did not constitute forgery, stating the program’s intent was to raise public awareness about rising drug abuse among Kerala’s youth.
Justice Badharudeen praised the program as “beneficial,” highlighting its role in alerting the public to drug accessibility near police and excise offices. The court encouraged efforts to combat the drug menace but urged media outlets to exercise greater vigilance in verifying information and including perspectives from all parties involved in future reports.
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