New Delhi
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has called upon the Delhi Police to probe a purportedly defamatory advertisement targeting a minor girl by a coaching institute. In a communication to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in South Delhi, the NCPCR expressed worries regarding potential breaches of child rights and defamation laws.
Referring to a social media post on platform X, the NCPCR cited an advertisement by the coaching institute that allegedly portrayed the minor girl negatively. The ad suggested that the girl’s departure from the institute led to poor academic performance and implied that self-study could have yielded better results.
Concerned about the adverse impact on the minor’s reputation and mental well-being, the NCPCR invoked its authority under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, to take action. The commission highlighted the possibility of the advertisement contravening defamation laws as per Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
To address these concerns, the Delhi Police has been urged to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue necessary legal measures against those accountable for the defamatory advertisement. The NCPCR has requested the Delhi Police to furnish an Action Taken Report within seven days of receipt of the letter.
