1 day ago
NHRC Seeks Probe Into Minors’ Alleged Role at Mumbai Protest
The NHRC is looking into complaints about children at a protest in Mumbai on October 2.
The complaints say children may have been brought to the event and shown in pictures or videos shared online.
They also allege that people discussed involving children because police might not detain them.
These claims still need to be checked.
The NHRC has told police to examine messages, videos and other evidence, and to file a case if they find evidence of a crime.
X must preserve information about the relevant posts and accounts, and the technology ministry must review whether the platform followed the rules.
Child-welfare officials must help protect and support the children.
Authorities must report what they have done within one week.
The NHRC issued notices after complaints alleged that minors were mobilised at a Mumbai protest on October 2 and later shown in online photos and videos.
The complaints allege that people associated with the Cockroach Janata Party discussed involving minors because police might not detain them; these claims have not been established.
Mumbai Police were directed to examine the evidence, verify the roles of named individuals and organisers, and register an FIR if evidence discloses cognisable offences.
X was directed to preserve relevant account and content records, while MeitY was asked to examine the platform’s compliance with applicable laws and rules.
Authorities were told to protect the children’s identities and arrange care and support; action-taken reports are due within one week.
- Who
- The NHRC, Mumbai Police, MeitY, X and Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department; complaints name Ajinkya Shinde, Abhijit Dipke and Saurav Das for verification.
- What
- The NHRC issued notices and ordered an inquiry into allegations that minors were mobilised at a protest and exposed in social-media content.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- When
- The protest was held on October 2; action-taken reports are due within one week.
- Why
- Complaints raised concerns about children’s dignity, safety, privacy and possible exploitation, including allegations they may have been involved to discourage police action.
Complaints and concerns
Investigation and verification
Alleged mobilisation of minors
Complaints and concerns
The complaints allege that children were involved in the protest and that their participation may have been discussed in advance, including on the premise that police might not detain them.
Investigation and verification
The NHRC directed police to verify the planning, communications and individual roles. The allegations are not established, and responsibility must be based on evidence.
Social-media content and platform compliance
Complaints and concerns
The complaints say photos and videos exposed children online, raising concerns about their privacy and safety.
Investigation and verification
X must preserve relevant records and explain its handling of the content; MeitY must examine compliance. The articles do not establish that X violated its obligations.
Key facts
- Commission
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Protest date
- October 2
- Reporting deadline
- Within one week
- Law cited for NHRC action
- Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
- Child-protection provisions cited
- Sections 75 and 83(2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
- Digital evidence
- Police were told to secure and examine digital material; X was directed to preserve relevant content, account details and metadata.
- Child welfare
- Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department was directed to ensure the children’s rescue, care and protection.
Quotes
National Human Rights Commission
India’s statutory human rights commission
“The allegations, if established, raise a more serious concern regarding the planned mobilisation or instrumental use of minors with knowledge of their age and vulnerability, including their possible use as a shield against lawful police action, besides their exposure through photographs/videos subsequently disseminated on social media.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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