Amid a troubling increase in child abuse cases in the state, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has issued a stern advisory urging strict vigilance and immediate action to safeguard children.
The Commission highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that “any form of child abuse by anybody, irrespective of parents or guardians, is highly condemnable” and must be reported to the authorities for legal action.
Calling on all citizens, the advisory stated, “It is a paramount duty for every citizen to ensure child safety and protection, as children are the backbone of the nation, and our future lies in their hands.”
The Commission expressed concern over the tendency for many cases to be settled through negotiation or compromise between the parties involved. It strongly discouraged this practice, noting that such settlements “indirectly encourage the offenders” and undermine justice.
Reaffirming the importance of the law, the advisory warned, “Any form of offence has to be punished by any means as per the law.” It further cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands, stating that “vigilantism defeats the very purpose of the law adopted for delivering justice to victims.”
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012, the Commission reminded the public that offences are non-bailable and cannot be settled through compromise.
The advisory also urged media and social media platforms to “uphold ethical standards and refrain from revealing the identities of children involved in any child abuse case,” to protect victims’ privacy.
The Commission has directed all concerned individuals to immediately report any suspected child abuse cases to the Child Helpline (1098), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), or the nearest police station to ensure proper investigation and prosecution.
Reassuring the public, the SCPCR pledged its continued commitment to protecting every child, actively monitoring cases and ensuring “justice is meted out swiftly and effectively,” warning that no act of child abuse will be allowed to “go unnoticed or unpunished.”
The advisory concluded with a resolute statement: “Strict vigilance is not optional; it is the duty we owe to every child.”