The District Child Protection Authority (CPA) in Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir, has prohibited the circulation of photographs, CCTV footage, and other identifying information related to cases involving child suicide attempts. The directive, issued by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) under the Mission Vatsalya programme, follows a recent attempted suicide by a child that came to the notice of the District Child Protection Unit.

What the Order Prohibits

Officials, institutions, media organisations, and members of the public have been directed to refrain from uploading, publishing, or disclosing photographs, videos, screenshots, or any material that could reveal the identity of children involved in suicide or attempted-suicide incidents. The order specifically bars disclosure of a child's name, address, school, parents' particulars, contact information, and location — except where permitted by law or authorised by a competent authority.

Sharing of case records, inquiry documents, medical information, statements, and other confidential material on platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has also been prohibited.

CCTV Footage to Be Treated as Confidential

The DCPO has separately directed that CCTV footage relating to such incidents be treated as strictly confidential. Where required for investigation or judicial proceedings, the footage must be preserved and supplied only to the competent investigating authority, court, or other legally authorised body — not shared publicly or on social media.

Legal Basis and Penalties

The order cites Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which protects the identity of children in conflict with law, children in need of care and protection, and child victims or witnesses in inquiries, investigations, or judicial proceedings. Contravention of this provision under Section 74(3) is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh, or both.

Guidance for Media and Digital Platforms

The District Child Protection Office has asked media persons, news agencies, and digital platforms to adhere to applicable law and Press Council of India norms when reporting on child suicide attempts. The order cautions specifically against sensationalised reporting, publication of photographs or videos, disclosure of unnecessary details, and repeated or prominent coverage of such cases.

Notably, the order clarifies that lawful reporting or investigation protected by law is not restricted — but reiterates that a child's identity and identifying particulars must not be disclosed in contravention of the Juvenile Justice Act. Child protection authorities across the country have been tightening enforcement of such non-disclosure norms, and the Shopian directive reflects that broader national trend.