The Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR) has issued an advisory to all media houses, journalists, and electronic media platforms, mandating strict adherence to Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This provision explicitly prohibits the disclosure of any identifying details of children involved in legal proceedings, including those under care and protection, or as victims or witnesses of crimes.
Prohibited information includes names, addresses, schools, photographs, videos, or any particulars that could compromise their privacy and safety. Any kind of disclosures can inflict severe and lasting harm to a child’s dignity, emotional well-being, and security.
The PSCPCR has asked all media outlets to immediately stop the publication, broadcast, or dissemination of any content that reveals the identity of such children. Additionally, the Commission has urged media organizations to sensitize editorial teams to child protection laws, adopt child-sensitive journalism practices, and implement rigorous pre-publication checks to ensure compliance with the Act.
Failure to comply with Section 74 may result in legal action under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The PSCPCR called for full cooperation from all media entities in upholding children’s rights and fostering responsible, ethical reporting.
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