NHRC Investigates Allegations of Child Injury During 'Chalo Sansad' Protest

Shillong, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint alleging that minor children were endangered during the "Chalo Sansad" protest held in the national capital and that a 12-year-old girl sustained a head injury during the demonstration. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of children in protest situations, as well as the responsibilities of adults and authorities in safeguarding minors.

The "Chalo Sansad" protest, which translates to "March to Parliament," is a form of demonstration where citizens gather to express their grievances and demands to the government. Such protests have become increasingly common in India's political landscape, often attracting large crowds and significant media attention. However, the involvement of children in these protests has sparked a debate about their rights and protection, particularly in potentially volatile situations.

A Bench presided over by Member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Delhi government; the Secretary, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Delhi Commissioner of Police, directing them to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The NHRC's involvement underscores the serious nature of the allegations, as they relate to potential violations of children's rights and the need for accountability among public officials.

The action has been initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers the apex human rights body to inquire into alleged violations of human rights. The act was established to safeguard the fundamental rights of individuals in India, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups, including children. According to the complaint, minor children were exposed to danger during the protest on Monday, with reports claiming that a 12-year-old girl suffered a head injury.

The complainant sought the NHRC’s intervention by requesting immediate rescue and medical treatment for the child, her production before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in accordance with law, identification of the person who brought the child to the protest, and appropriate action under the Juvenile Justice Act. The Juvenile Justice Act is designed to protect the rights and well-being of children in conflict with the law as well as those in need of care and protection. This highlights the need for a thorough investigation into how a minor was allowed to participate in a protest that could potentially involve confrontations with law enforcement or other risks.

The complaint also sought initiation of proceedings if any authority had allegedly manhandled the child. This aspect of the complaint raises critical questions about the conduct of law enforcement during protests, particularly regarding how they handle minors and ensure their safety. The NHRC's involvement suggests that there may be a need for clearer guidelines and training for police officers on how to manage situations involving children in public demonstrations.

Furthermore, it alleged that information circulated on social media platform X by journalist Sourav Das may have been false or misleading, and urged the apex human rights body to direct appropriate legal action against him and the platform if the allegations were found to be correct. The role of social media in disseminating information during protests has become a double-edged sword; while it can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness, it can also spread misinformation that may exacerbate tensions and lead to further complications.

After examining the complaint, the NHRC observed that the allegations, prima facie, appear to involve violations of the human rights of the child. Accordingly, the apex human rights body directed the concerned authorities to immediately rescue the child, ensure necessary medical treatment, and produce her before the Child Welfare Committee as required under law. This directive is a crucial step in ensuring that the child's immediate health and safety needs are addressed, while also ensuring that her legal rights are protected.

It further directed the authorities to identify the person who brought the child to the protest and take appropriate action under the Juvenile Justice Act. This aspect of the NHRC's directive highlights the importance of accountability in situations where minors are involved in protests. Identifying the adult responsible for bringing the child to the protest is essential to understanding the circumstances that led to her injury and ensuring that similar situations do not occur in the future.

The apex human rights body also ordered that if any authority was found to have manhandled the child, appropriate proceedings be initiated. This underscores the NHRC's commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions, particularly in situations where vulnerable individuals, such as children, are involved.

Additionally, the NHRC directed that if the information circulated on X by Sourav Das is found to be false or misleading, immediate legal action, including registration of an FIR, be taken against him and the social media platform, and a detailed Action Taken Report be submitted within two weeks. This directive reflects the NHRC's recognition of the potential harm that misinformation can cause, particularly in the context of sensitive issues involving children and public safety.

Amid the controversy, Delhi Police issued a clarification on social media, describing as “false” claims circulating online that a 12-year-old girl suffered a head injury, and that 40 to 50 other people sustained head injuries during the protest. “This information is false. The claims being circulated in the posts are not true. Please do not spread or amplify false or misleading information,” the Delhi Police said in a fact-check post on X. This response from the police highlights the ongoing challenges of managing public perception and misinformation in the age of social media, where narratives can quickly spiral out of control and impact public trust in law enforcement and governmental institutions.

The NHRC's investigation into this matter is not only a response to the specific allegations raised but also a broader reflection of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring the safety and rights of children in public spaces. As protests continue to be a vital part of democratic expression in India, it is essential that all stakeholders, including parents, organizers, and law enforcement, work collaboratively to create safe environments for all participants, particularly minors.