Shopian, Aug 31, : The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Shopian, has directed officials, institutions, media organisations and members of the public to refrain from circulating, uploading, publishing or disclosing photographs, CCTV footage or identifying information concerning children involved in suicide or attempted-suicide cases.The order, issued under Mission Vatsalya, follows a case concerning an attempted suicide involving a child that came to the notice of the District Child Protection Unit, Shopian.The DCPO has prohibited the circulation or publication of the child’s photograph, CCTV footage, videos, screenshots and any information that could individually or collectively reveal the child’s identity.The order specifically directs that details such as the child’s name, address, school, parents’ identifying information, contact details, location and other particulars capable of leading to identification should not be disclosed except where permitted by law or authorised by the competent authority.It also prohibits sharing case records, inquiry documents, medical information, statements and other confidential material on social media platforms or public communication channels, including forwarding such material through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.The DCPO has separately directed that CCTV footage relating to such incidents be treated as confidential material. Where footage is required for investigation or judicial proceedings, it is to be preserved and supplied only to the competent investigating authority, court or other legally authorised authority.The order cites 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.The order further states that contravention of the provision is punishable under Section 74(3), with imprisonment of up to six months, or 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 follow applicable law and the Press Council of India’s norms while reporting attempts to suicide by children, particularly regarding sensationalized reporting, publication of photographs or videos, disclosure of unnecessary details and repeated or prominent reporting.At the same time, 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. [KNT]
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