The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of allegations concerning the participation of minor children in a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
The commission has sought action taken reports within a week from the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), X Corp. and Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department.
Police Asked to Investigate Children’s Presence
The NHRC has directed Mumbai Police to establish how and why minors were allegedly brought to the demonstration and to examine the role played by the protest organisers.
The police have also been asked to determine whether the circumstances amounted to any cognisable offence and initiate appropriate legal proceedings if violations are established.
The commission is examining allegations that some children may have been deliberately placed at the protest in circumstances that could have restricted or discouraged police intervention. The allegation has not been established and remains subject to investigation.
Juvenile Justice Law Under Scanner
The NHRC has asked authorities to examine whether the involvement of the children breached provisions of child-protection legislation, including the Juvenile Justice Act.
The focus of the inquiry is not only on the presence of minors at the demonstration but also on whether they were exposed to circumstances that could have compromised their safety or rights.
Digital Material To Be Preserved
The commission has also directed that photographs, videos and social media posts showing the children at the protest be preserved.
X Corp. has been asked to retain relevant digital records connected with the circulation of such material, including information that may help investigators establish where the content originated and how it was disseminated.
The directive is aimed at ensuring that potentially relevant digital evidence is not lost or deleted while the allegations are being examined.
Child Welfare Department Asked to Ensure Protection
The Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department has been directed to take necessary measures for the care, protection and welfare of the minors allegedly involved in the demonstration.
Officials have been asked to assess whether any of the children require assistance or protective intervention and to ensure that their rights are protected under applicable laws.
NHRC Awaits Reports
The authorities have been given seven days to submit their reports to the commission. Their responses are expected to cover the police investigation, the role of the organisers, any violations identified and measures taken for the welfare and protection of the children.
Further action by the NHRC will depend on the findings and reports submitted by the concerned authorities.
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