From ‘prosecutrix’ to ‘victim’: Judicial language overhaul

Court officials have been instructed to eliminate dated expressions such as ‘asmat’ and ‘shil bhang’ and substitute them with legally precise language like ‘violation of bodily autonomy’ or ‘sexual assault’. This shift moves the narrative away from a moral or social lens toward a factual, evidence‑based account of the offence. The directive also calls for the removal of any commentary on a woman’s clothing, relationships or personal background. All references to a complainant’s character will be barred; judgments will rely solely on the material evidence and applicable statutes.