TSMP head of IP & TMT Adrian Tan was quoted in a 18 November 2020 Today article on gag orders.

He said that in issuing gag orders in general, the courts have to balance the victim’s welfare against the need for the public to know the facts of the case.

Sometimes, the courts may also decide that a gag order may not be the best option even if children or sexual violence are involved.

While the victim’s welfare is the priority, there may be some cases where it is more important for the public to know the offender’s identity if it may help more victims come forward, Mr Tan added.