NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday said it is not necessary to disclose the identity of victims of rape and sexual assault to "arouse public opinion and sentiment" as these issues need to be dealt with sensitively.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said this while refusing to agree with an argument that in certain matters, the victim's name should be allowed to be disclosed as her name and face could become a "rallying point" to prevent other such sexual offences.

It was also argued before the court that in such a case, the victim becomes a symbol of protest or is treated as an iconic figure.