Baramulla: In a significant step towards promoting child-sensitive journalism, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Baramulla on Thursday held an interactive awareness session with members of the Baramulla Working Journalist Association (BWJA) to sensitise media professionals on the legal and ethical responsibilities of reporting on matters involving juveniles.
The session was held under the chairmanship of Principal Magistrate JJB Baramulla, Altaf Ahmad Mir (KCS Judicial), who urged journalists to strictly refrain from disclosing the identity of children involved in legal proceedings—whether as victims, accused, or witnesses.
He emphasized that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, particularly Section 74, and Section 23 of the POCSO Act, explicitly prohibit the publication of any detail that could lead to the identification of a juvenile.
This includes names, photographs, addresses, school details, or even the location of incidents. Violating these provisions is not only unethical but is a punishable offence under the law. Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act states:(1) No report in any newspaper, magazine, news-sheet, audio-visual media or any form of communication shall disclose the name, address, school, photograph, or any details which may lead to the identification of a child in conflict with law, child in need of care and protection, or a child victim/witness of a crime.
However, disclosure can be permitted by the Board/Committee only if it is in the best interest of the child and is recorded in writing. (2)Police are also barred from disclosing records of such children, including for purposes like issuing character certificates if the case is closed or disposed of. (3) Any person found contravening these provisions shall face imprisonment up to six months or a fine up to ₹2 lakh, or both.
Additionally, Section 23 of the POCSO Act, 2012 was also discussed, which governs media reporting in child sexual abuse cases. Section 23 of the POCSO Act states: No person shall disclose the identity of a child, including name, address, photograph, family details, school, neighbourhood, or any information that may lead to the child’s identification, without permission of the Special Court. Any violation is punishable with imprisonment up to six months and/or a fine.
Legal Cum Probation Officer Mir Kasir also addressed the media and highlighted the pivotal role journalists play in shaping public narratives while protecting vulnerable children. He called for complete cooperation from the media in adhering to these legal safeguards to ensure no harm is caused to children due to negligent reporting.
Members of the Baramulla Working Journalist Association, led by Chairman BWJA Karamat Qayoom and President Zargar Gulzar and other senior members, welcomed the session and pledged to uphold the privacy and rights of juveniles in their reporting. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to maintain sensitivity and legal compliance while covering cases involving minors, reflecting a strong partnership between the media and juvenile justice system.
