Shopian child protection officer bars disclosure of identity in suicide cases

SHOPIAN — The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Shopian, has directed officials, institutions, media organisations and members of the public not to circulate, upload, publish or disclose photographs, CCTV footage or identifying information concerning children involved in suicide or attempted-suicide cases.

The order, issued under Mission Vatsalya, follows a case involving an attempted suicide by a child that came to the notice of the District Child Protection Unit, Shopian.

The DCPO has prohibited the publication or circulation of the child’s photograph, CCTV footage, videos, screenshots and any information that could individually or collectively reveal the child’s identity.

It specifically bars disclosure of details including the child’s name, address, school, parents’ identifying information, contact details, location and other particulars that could lead to identification, except where permitted by law or authorised by the competent authority.

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The order also prohibits the sharing of case records, inquiry documents, medical information, statements and other confidential material through social media platforms or public communication channels, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

CCTV footage relating to such incidents is to be treated as confidential, the order states. Where such footage is required for investigation or judicial proceedings, it should be preserved and supplied only to the competent investigating authority, court or another legally authorised authority.

The DCPO cited Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which protects the identity and identifying particulars of children involved in conflict with law, children in need of care and protection, and child victims or witnesses in inquiries, investigations or judicial proceedings.

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The order states that contravention of the provision is punishable under Section 74(3) with imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2 lakh, or both.

The District Child Protection Office has also asked media persons, news agencies, digital-news platforms and others to comply with applicable law and the Press Council of India’s norms while reporting attempts to commit suicide by children. The directions particularly concern sensationalised reporting, publication of photographs or videos, disclosure of unnecessary details and repeated or prominent reporting.

The order clarifies that it does not restrict lawful reporting or investigation protected by law, while reiterating that the identity and identifying particulars of a child must not be disclosed contrary to the Juvenile Justice Act.