Archive · 5 Aug 2026
NHRC summons Delhi Police Commissioner over delay in CSAM enquiry
The NHRC is a group in India whose job is to protect people's rights.
The group saw news reports saying that some paid ads on Instagram showed terrible things about hurting children.
The ads were said to send people to another app called Telegram, where such videos were being sold.
The group asked the top police officer in Delhi to send a report about what police were doing.
The officer did not send the report on time.
The group sent a reminder and gave extra days, but still heard nothing.
So the group ordered the officer to come to their office in New Delhi on September 7.
The officer will not have to come if the report arrives by August 31.
The group wants police to take such serious complaints seriously so children stay safe.
The NHRC has summoned the Delhi Police Commissioner for failing to submit an Action Taken Report within the stipulated time.
The enquiry concerns paid Instagram advertisements allegedly promoting child sexual abuse material and redirecting users to Telegram channels.
Ads carrying expressions such as 'rape video' and 'child video' reportedly remained accessible even after being reported through Instagram's grievance mechanism.
A bench presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took suo motu cognisance of the media reports.
The Delhi Police Commissioner must appear in person on September 7 unless the report is submitted by August 31.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), under a bench presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, and the Delhi Police Commissioner.
- What
- Summoning of the Delhi Police Commissioner for failing to submit an Action Taken Report on time regarding Instagram ads alleged to promote child sexual abuse material.
- When
- Initial notice issued on July 8, reminder sent on July 29, and personal appearance scheduled for September 7.
- Where
- Manav Adhikar Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Why
- The Delhi Police did not submit the required report despite the 15-day deadline and a subsequent reminder, prompting the NHRC to take a 'very serious view' and order summons.
- Commission
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- NHRC member presiding
- Priyank Kanoongo
- Summoned official
- Delhi Police Commissioner
- Legal basis
- Section 12, Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
- Timeline
- Notice on July 8 (ATR in 15 days); reminder on July 29 (7 more days)
- Report deadline
- August 31
- Personal appearance
- September 7, 11:30 a.m., Manav Adhikar Bhawan, New Delhi
- Subject of enquiry
- Instagram ads allegedly promoting CSAM and redirecting users to Telegram