The Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNSCPCR) has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by a child rights activist alleging that a few publications associated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) contain objectionable material, which are harmful for children and violates the child rights and child laws in India.
TNSCPCR has forwarded the complaint to the Director General of Police, Chief Secretary of State, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking a ban on these websites. The complaint was filed by Emi, a social activist and researcher.
“A child told once told me about the objectionable content associated with PETA when she clicked on images in Google search. When I checked this out, I was startled to see the objectionable images and videos,” said Emi. He pointed out that it was a violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act which mentions that a person is said to commit sexual harassment upon a child when such person with sexual intent, makes any gesture or exhibits any object or part of body with the intention that such gesture or object or part of body shall be seen by the child.
On receiving the complaint, officials from TNSCPCR added that it was important to block these publications and take action against PETA and their affiliates responsible for promoting such content. “There are several other ways to promote animal welfare and this is not appropriate,” said an official.
