A B Wani
Srinagar, July 2(GNS): The Child Welfare Committee Srinagar has taken a two-pronged action over viral interviews of school children, summoning Fair Voice News for recording a child without consent and directing cyber police to remove the videos from social media.
In a notice issued today, a copy which lies with GNS states that the CWC had come to its notice that a child was interviewed and recorded by representatives of Fair Voice News without the informed consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the concerned school authorities.
The committee stated that such action, if found true, may amount to a violation of the rights of the child under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the media reporting safeguards issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights concerning children’s identity, privacy, dignity, and best interests.
Exercising powers under the JJ Act, the CWC directed the Editor/Authorized Representative of Fair Voice News to appear before it on July 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM at its Srinagar office. The outlet has been asked to produce the reporter and cameraperson concerned, a written explanation of the circumstances of the interview, copies of the recorded interview and published or broadcast material, any consent or authorization relied upon, and other relevant documents. The notice added that failure to appear or furnish the required information may invite appropriate action in accordance with law.
In a separate order passed the same day, the CWC noted that videos of children being interviewed outside their school premises were circulating on various social media platforms. In one such video, children were seen expressing views related to the Education Minister.
The committee observed that involving children in media interviews on public issues without informed parental or guardian consent and without school authorities’ permission raises serious concerns regarding the privacy, safety, dignity, and best interests of the children. It said continued circulation of such videos could expose the children to public scrutiny, harassment, misuse of identity, and other forms of harm.
The CWC directed the Station House Officer, Cyber Police Station Srinagar, to immediately identify social media accounts, URLs, and digital platforms hosting or circulating the videos of the interviewed school children. It instructed police to take expeditious steps for the removal or blocking of the videos through concerned intermediaries to safeguard the children’s welfare.
The order further calls for examining whether any provisions of law relating to the protection of children and misuse of digital platforms have been violated, and to proceed as per law if warranted. The CWC stressed that the identity, privacy, dignity, and best interests of the children must be protected throughout the process.
The SHO has been asked to initiate legal action against the concerned persons if warranted and submit an Action Taken Report before the committee within 48 hours of receipt of the order.
The order was issued by Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, District Srinagar.(GNS)
