India
CJI Urges Prompt Destruction of Juvenile Records to Prevent Digital Stigma
Chief Justice Surya Kant warned that children in conflict with the law risk enduring digital stigma, urging the swift removal of old records and the exclusion of their names from media and online platforms. Speaking at the launch of the National Consultation on ten years of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the CJI stressed that rehabilitation must extend beyond institutional care and enable children to rejoin families, schools and communities without stigma. He said that records should be destroyed in a timely manner to keep identities and past cases from remaining online for years. Kant also expressed hope that the two‑day consultation would provide a forum for High Court judges, state officials, stakeholders and experts to share experiences and identify practices that could be adopted in their jurisdictions.
In related news, the Gujarat government unveiled its Child Protection Policy for 2026 last month. The policy aims to create a safe, dignified, rights‑based environment for all children in the state, ensuring protection from violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect and discrimination. It focuses on access to education, healthcare and holistic development, and safeguards children’s right to express opinions. Institutions that interact with children will be required to train staff on child rights, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant laws. A code of conduct will be introduced, and violations could lead to action. The framework prioritises vulnerable groups, including children in conflict with the law, children with disabilities, migrants, orphans, and those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and disadvantaged communities. It also covers children affected by human trafficking, street children, institutional or alternative care, transgender and intersex children, those living with HIV/AIDS or chronic illnesses, and children in conflict‑affected areas. The policy adopts a zero‑tolerance stance on abuse and exploitation, promotes child‑safe environments across schools, healthcare facilities, child care institutions, workplaces, digital platforms and public spaces, and strengthens safeguards against online threats by improving measures to prevent and address cyber risks from internet use, social media and other digital technologies.
Frequently asked questions
What did Chief Justice Surya Kant urge regarding juvenile records?
He urged prompt destruction of old records and exclusion of names from media and online platforms to prevent digital stigma.
What are key components of Gujarat's Child Protection Policy 2026?
The policy aims to create a safe, rights‑based environment, focuses on education, healthcare, holistic development, requires staff training on child rights, POCSO, Juvenile Justice Act, introduces a code of conduct, adopts zero‑tolerance on abuse, promotes child‑safe environments, and strengthens safeguards against online threats.
Who will benefit from the Gujarat Child Protection Policy?
Vulnerable groups such as children in conflict with law, children with disabilities, migrants, orphans, children from SC/ST and disadvantaged communities, children affected by human trafficking, street children, institutional or alternative care, transgender and intersex children, those living with HIV/AIDS or chronic illnesses, and children in conflict‑affected areas.