MCPCR writes to DCP on unlawful disclosure of identity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19 2025: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has sought urgent intervention of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Guwahati regarding violation of Juvenile Justice Act 2015 Five students Assam Down Town University, most of whom are reportedly minors (below 18 years of age), have been brought into public focus in connection with an alleged incident of sexual assault upon a Tripuri girl.

Out of them, two have been found to be minors and are presently kept at an Observation Home, in connection with a case registered at Pragyiyotishpur police station.

Regrettably, the incident is being widely circulated on social media platforms, electronic media, and news agencies under various captions implying gang rape of a Tripuri girl by five Meitei students; wherein the names and details of the students, including those of two Children in Conflict with Law (CCL), as well as those already released after police interrogation, are being publicly disclosed.

This act of disclosure constitutes a grave violation of Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which expressly prohibits the publication of the identity of a child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection.

The said provision also prescribes penal consequences of imprisonment up to six months, or fine up to Rs 2,00,000, or both, the MCPCR said in a letter addressed to the DCP (Central), Guwahati.

It said that the matter assumes added seriousness in view of the ongoing volatile ethnic situation in Manipur for the past two years.

It is apprehended that such unverified and sensationalised reporting may further aggravate tensions, not only within Manipur but also in other States such as Tripura and Assam.

It then urged the Cyber Crime Police of Assam and Manipur State and other competent authorities to urgently intervene to curb the unlawful circulation of the names and identities of the concerned minors.

The MCPCR also urged the DCP (Central), Guwahati to issue necessary directions to media houses and social media platforms to strictly adhere to the provisions of the JJ Act, 2015, and to remove any content in violation thereof.

The Police Department may issue an official clarification to present an unbiased and accurate account of the incident in order to counteract distorted and inflammatory narratives, it asked.

The MCPCR stands firmly against all forms of atrocities and crimes against women, particularly sexual violence.

At the same time, the Commission is equally bound to ensure the protection of innocent minors from wrongful implication and to uphold the right of privacy and confidentiality guaranteed to Children in Conflict with Law under the JJ Act and other applicable laws, it said.

It further urged the DCP (Central), Guwahati to take immediate action against social media platforms and media outlets that have violated the provisions of law by sensationalising the matter and thereby risking communal flare-ups.

It also sought thorough investigation of the alleged offence so as to ensure that no innocent child is falsely implicated, thereby safeguarding their dignity, social image, and future career.

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