(1888PressRelease)
June 06, 2007 - Since 02/06/07, the media has been extensively covering and sensationalizing the case of a nine-year-old juvenile who has allegedly killed three children in the past one year. The press has branded him as a ‘serial killer’; it has gone to the extent of publishing his name and photograph along with his family details and location.
The press has grossly disregarded Section 21 of the Juvenile Justice ( Care and Protection of Children ) Act, 2006 enacted by the Government of India which prohibits publication of the name, address or any other particulars calculated to lead to the identification of the juvenile. The said provision also prohibits publication of the juvenile’s picture. However, only if the enquiring authority in the interest of the juvenile permits such disclosure in writing, then the press is justified in publishing such news.
In the instant case, it is very unlikely that the enquiring authority gave any such permission, even if such permission was given, then was it in the interest of the juvenile? This is indeed a case of Human Rights nipped in the Bud.
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