NCPCR writes to L-G on violation of Juvenile Justice Act by Delhi minister

“The Commission has received a complaint against a video posted by Rajendra Pal Gautam, Social Welfare Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi on Twitter handle. As seen in the said video, the minister has been found to be inspecting a child care institution (CCI) in Delhi, disclosing the identity of the children and the name of the institution has also been shown. 

“In the said video, it has also been mentioned that these children living in this CCI are orphan children,” the letter addressed to the secretary of the Lt Governor said. 

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) demanded strict action against the minister under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015. 

Under Section 74 of the Act, it is an offence to disclose a child’s name, address, age or school on any media platform, which may lead to the identification of the child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection or a child victim or witness of a crime, involved in such matter. 

Section 74(3) of the Act further provides that any person contravening this provision shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or fine which may extend to two lakh rupees or both. 

“This video showing the children along with the name of the institution where the children are living is prima facie violation of Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and a serious offence against children. 

“Therefore, in view of the violations of provisions given under the JJ Act, 2015, it is important that an inquiry in this matter must be conducted and action, as deemed fit, may be taken. It is requested that a report informing about the action taken in the matter may be sent to the Commission within a week’s time,” the letter added.