The NHRC has sought action reports from Mumbai Police, MeitY, Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department and X over complaints alleging that minors were brought to a CJP protest and their images were circulated online.
The NHRC CJP protest inquiry concerns a demonstration held in Mumbai on October 2, where complaints alleged that children were deliberately brought into the gathering and potentially used to shield protesters from police action.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the complaints and issued notices to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department and X’s grievance officer in India.
The authorities have been asked to submit action-taken reports and relevant documents within one week.
NHRC Raises Concerns Over Children at Protest
According to the complaints before the NHRC, minors were allegedly present at the protest and photographs and videos showing them were later circulated on social media.
The complaints referred to social-media posts that allegedly showed a child being lifted above the crowd while holding the national flag and a placard. People could reportedly be seen recording the scene on their mobile phones.
The NHRC said the allegations require examination not only of the children’s presence but also of how and why they were brought to the gathering.
Alleged Plan to Use Children Against Police Action
The complaints also reportedly referred to discussions in groups and chats about organising the protest and involving minors.
One allegation was that children were included because protesters believed police would be less likely to detain minors. The NHRC said that, if established, such conduct would raise serious concerns about the deliberate use of children’s vulnerable status to avoid or restrict lawful police action.
The commission has therefore called for an examination of the role of organisers, coordinators, adults accompanying the children and anyone alleged to have encouraged or facilitated their participation.
NHRC Examines Child Rights Concerns
The matter was taken up by a bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo. The commission received complaints from the Seva Nyay Utthan Foundation and another organisation.
The NHRC said the allegations raise concerns relating to children’s safety, dignity, privacy, protection and possible exploitation.
The commission has also referred to provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, including Sections 75 and 83(2), while considering the complaints.
Notices Sent to Mumbai Police, MeitY and X
The NHRC registry has been directed to issue notices to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, Secretary of MeitY, X Corp’s grievance officer in India and the Principal Secretary of Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department.
The authorities have been given one week from receipt of the notices to submit their action-taken reports along with supporting documents.
The commission has also directed the authorities to protect the identity, privacy, dignity and best interests of any children involved in the matter.
Police Asked to Preserve Digital Evidence
Mumbai Police have been directed to investigate the allegations and preserve relevant digital evidence.
The NHRC has called for material connected with the alleged group chats, planning and coordination of the protest to be obtained and preserved for forensic examination.
Police have also been asked to secure relevant social-media material and technical information that could help establish when posts were uploaded, which accounts published them and other details connected to the digital evidence.
If the investigation reveals information indicating a cognisable offence, the NHRC has directed police to register an FIR where required under law.
NHRC Directs Maharashtra to Ensure Child Protection
The Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department has been asked to ensure appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation measures for any child found to require assistance under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The commission has also stressed that any further action should not unnecessarily expose the identity of the children or lead to additional circulation of their photographs or identifying information.
The NHRC’s action follows complaints concerning the alleged participation and subsequent online exposure of minors during the October 2 Mumbai protest. The allegations will now be examined by the authorities through the investigation and reports sought by the commission.
5 Key Takeaways
- NHRC has taken cognisance of complaints concerning minors at an October 2 Mumbai protest.
- Notices have been sent to Mumbai Police, MeitY, Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department and X.
- Complaints allege that children may have been used to avoid or limit police action.
- Authorities have been asked to preserve digital evidence and investigate the alleged planning and coordination.
- The NHRC has directed officials to protect the identity, privacy, dignity and best interests of the childreninvolved.
