CJI Surya Kant termed digital stigma for children in conflict with law, calls for early destruction of records | Video

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has warned that children in conflict with the law could face permanent digital stigma, stressing the need to quickly destroy old records and keep their identities off the media and online platforms.

Launching the National Consultation on Ten Years of the Youth Justice Act in 2015, the CJI emphasized that rehabilitation must go beyond institutional care and ensure that children can return to their families, schools and communities without facing stigma.

He said reintegrating children into society is an essential part of rehabilitation, adding that records should be destroyed early to prevent their identities and past cases from being available online for years.

Kant also expressed hope that the two-day consultation would provide a platform for Supreme Court judges, civil servants, stakeholders and experts in the field to exchange experiences and discuss practices that have worked in their respective jurisdictions.

He said participants should leave the consultation with at least one effective practice they could adopt in their jurisdictions.

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“We have to destroy old records in time and keep the names of children in violation of the law out of the news and off the internet where they can linger for years. Rehabilitation that ends at the gate of the institution is not rehabilitation at all because reintegration means giving the young person back a place in the family, school and community without stigma…,” Kant said, according to ANI.

He added: “Over the next two days, High Court judges, state officers, stakeholders and experts in the field will share their experiences of what has worked in their jurisdictions and I hope that each of us will leave with at least one practice worth taking home…”

Gujarat unveils Child Protection Policy 2026

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government unveiled its Child Protection Policy 2026 last month, which aims to ensure a “safe, dignified and rights-based childhood for children in the state”.

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According to a government statement, ‘Gujarat State Child Protection Policy-2026’ seeks to create a safe and equitable environment where every child can realize their full potential without facing violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect or discrimination.

The policy also aims to ensure children’s access to education, healthcare and holistic development while protecting their right to express their views, the report said, according to PTI.

Under the new framework, institutions that have direct contact with children will be required to train their staff on the rights of the child, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), the Youth Justice Act and other relevant legislation.

The policy will also introduce a code of conduct for institutions and their staff that takes a strict stance against humiliating, harassing or discriminating against children, as well as sexually inappropriate behavior towards them.

Institutions and individuals found violating the policy could face prosecution, the government said.

The framework emphasizes the provision of “equal child protection services to all children without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, gender, socio-economic status, political or cultural origin or geographical region,” the report said.

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It gives special priority to vulnerable children, including those in need of care and protection, children in conflict with the law, Divyang children, migrants, orphans and children from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and disadvantaged communities. Also included are children affected by human trafficking, people living on the street, and people in institutional or foster care.

The policy extends protection to transgender and intersex children, children living with HIV/AIDS or chronic illnesses, people affected by natural disasters, and children living in conflict-affected areas.

By adopting a “zero tolerance” approach to child abuse and exploitation, the policy seeks to promote safe environments for children in schools, healthcare facilities, childcare institutions, workplaces, digital platforms and public spaces.

It also aims to strengthen protection against online threats by improving measures to prevent and address cyber risks arising from the use of the internet, social media and other digital technologies.