Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material: NHRC summons Delhi Police Commissioner over delay in enquiry
This comes after a Bench, presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, took suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging that advertisements carrying expressions such as “rape video” and “child video” were displayed on Instagram.
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On Wednesday, August 5, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued summons to the Delhi Police Commissioner for failing to submit the Action Taken Report (ATR) within the stipulated time in connection with allegations that paid advertisements displayed on Instagram promoted Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in the country and redirected social media users t o various channels on Telegram where such content was said to be offered for sale.
However, it was clarified by the Commission that the personal appearance would stand dispensed with if the report is sent on or before August 31.“Take further notice that in case you fail to comply with this order without lawful excuse, you will be subject to the consequences of non-attendance laid down in Order 16 Rule 10 and Order 16 Rule 12 CPC,” the summons said.
This comes after a Bench, presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, took suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging that advertisements carrying expressions such as “rape video” and “child video” were displayed on Instagram. Further, it was stated that these remained accessible despite being reported through the platform’s grievance mechanism.
On July 8, the human rights body had issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, asking to submit an ATR within 15 days. However, no report was filed within the required time.
Later on, the NHRC issued a reminder on July 29 and gave seven more days, while warning that coercive powers could be invoked. Observing that the requisite report was still not received despite the reminder, the NHRC, after considering the matter on Wednesday, took a “very serious view” and then directed that summons be issued to the Delhi Police Commissioner, IANS reported.
The Delhi Police Commissioner has been asked to appear in person before the Commission at 11.30 a.m. at its office in Manav Adhikar Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 7. He is expected to carry the requisite report and an explanation for the delay in its submission.
However, it was clarified by the Commission that the personal appearance would stand dispensed with if the report is sent on or before August 31.“Take further notice that in case you fail to comply with this order without lawful excuse, you will be subject to the consequences of non-attendance laid down in Order 16 Rule 10 and Order 16 Rule 12 CPC,” the summons said.