Srinagar, Jul 2: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has summoned the authorised representative of Fair Voice News to appear before it on July 3 over the alleged interviewing and recording of a child without obtaining informed consent from the parent or legal guardian.
In a notice issued by the committee on Wednesday, the CWC said it had come to its notice that a child was interviewed and recorded by representatives of the media organisation without the informed consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the concerned school authorities.
The committee said that if the allegations are found to be true, the action may amount to a violation of the rights of the child guaranteed under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, wherever applicable, as well as the media reporting safeguards issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights relating to the protection of children’s identity, privacy, dignity and best interests.
The CWC directed the authorised representative of Fair Voice News to appear before the committee at its office in Srinagar at 12 noon on July 3 along with the reporter or interviewer concerned, the cameraperson or other media personnel present during the interview, if any, and a written explanation detailing the circumstances under which the interview was conducted.
The notice also asked the media organisation to produce copies of the recorded interview, any published or broadcast material, consent or authorisation relied upon, and any other relevant documents in its possession.
The committee said failure to appear or furnish the required information may invite appropriate action in accordance with law.(KNS).
