The family can allow anyone, like a reporter or a family friend, to reveal the victim's identity if they consent.

The law limits this permission strictly to the chairman or secretary of a recognised welfare institution, not any other individual.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 228A

repealed

Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc

Provided that no such authorisation shall be given by the next-of-kin to anybody other than the chairman or the secretary, by whatever name called, of any recognised welfare institution or organisation.§

Why this exists

Section 228A was added to the Indian Penal Code in 1983, mainly in response to concerns about the public naming of rape and sexual assault victims, which caused them social stigma and further harm. The section generally bans printing or publishing a victim's identity in such cases. This particular proviso creates a narrow, controlled exception: if the family wants to allow disclosure (for example, to a support organisation helping the victim), they can only authorise a specific senior office-bearer of a recognised welfare body, to prevent misuse of this exception by unauthorised people or media.

Common misconceptions

Myth: The family can allow anyone, like a reporter or a family friend, to reveal the victim's identity if they consent.
Fact: The law limits this permission strictly to the chairman or secretary of a recognised welfare institution, not any other individual.