NHRC Orders Removal of Post Featuring Children in Political Campaign
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken action regarding a video shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi, which featured children participating in political campaigning. The video showed children chanting slogans such as “Abki baar, Kejriwal” as part of the AAP’s campaign. The NHRC expressed serious concerns over the use of children in such political activities, as it violates guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and infringes upon laws like the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
On December 30, 2024, the NHRC issued a directive to X (formerly Twitter) to remove the post featuring the children, citing the violation of children’s rights and the inappropriate use of minors in political campaigns. Additionally, the NHRC sent a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, urging urgent measures to prevent the involvement of children in any political activities. The letter requested the CEC to take corrective action and to issue clear instructions to all political parties, emphasizing the prohibition of children’s participation in such campaigns.
NHRC’s Concerns
The NHRC highlighted that the participation of children in political campaigns raises serious ethical and legal concerns, specifically in violation of the Election Commission’s guidelines and children’s protection laws. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo pointed out that this matter falls under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, which protects children from exploitation in any form, especially in politically sensitive contexts.
Call for Corrective Measures
The NHRC also urged the CEC to implement urgent corrective measures and issue strong guidelines to prevent the exploitation of children in political activities. The letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of children and ensuring they are not used for political gain.
This action by the NHRC comes amid ongoing debates over voter list issues in Delhi, with over 4.8 lakh new voter registration applications and 82,450 requests for deletions received by the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) since November 29, 2024. The final electoral roll is expected to be published on January 6, 2025, while the controversy between the AAP and BJP regarding alleged manipulation of the voter list continues.
