NHRC Takes Action Over Minors’ Alleged Participation in Mumbai CJP Protest

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of allegations involving the participation of minor children in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.

The human rights body has issued notices to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), X Corp. and Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department. The authorities have been asked to submit action taken reports within seven days.

Police Asked to Examine Organisers’ Role

The NHRC has directed the Mumbai Police to investigate the circumstances in which minors were allegedly brought to the protest and became part of the demonstration.

The police have also been asked to identify the role of the organisers and determine whether any cognisable offence was committed. Appropriate legal action has been directed if the investigation establishes violations of law.

One of the allegations being examined is whether children were deliberately positioned at the protest in a way that could have made it difficult for police personnel to intervene. The NHRC has also asked authorities to determine whether any child-protection provisions, including those under the Juvenile Justice Act, were breached.

NHRC Seeks Preservation of Digital Evidence

The commission has called for the preservation of photographs, videos and social media material showing the minors during the demonstration.

X Corp. has also been asked to preserve relevant digital records relating to the circulation of such content. The information could assist investigators in identifying the origin and spread of posts featuring the children.

The move comes amid concerns over the continued circulation of images and videos of minors online, particularly when such material originates from public demonstrations.

Child Welfare Department Asked to Act

Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Department has been directed to take appropriate steps for the care, protection and welfare of the children allegedly involved in the protest.

The department has been asked to assess whether any of the minors require assistance or protection and ensure that their rights are safeguarded under applicable child-protection laws.

Authorities Given One Week to Respond

The reports sought by the NHRC are expected to detail the police inquiry, the alleged role of protest organisers, any legal violations identified and the steps taken to protect the children.

The commission will examine the responses from the concerned authorities before deciding on further action in the matter.