Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has issued notices to BJD President Naveen Patnaik and senior party leaders including former MLA Deepali Das, Alka Mohanty and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Ipsita Sahoo over the alleged involvement of school students in a political rally in Jharsuguda.
The Commission acted on a complaint received on July 10, 2026, along with photographs and videos, regarding the participation of minor girl children in a political rally/protest organized in Jharsuguda district.
According to the notice, the complaint alleged that the children were present during school hours and were exposed to direct heat, prolonged sunlight, fire and smoke during the rally.
OSCPCR said such involvement of children in political activities and exposing them to unsafe conditions raises serious concerns.
“Prima facie it affects their health, safety, dignity and well-being, and interrupts their right to attend school and receive education. This amounts to violation of child protection laws and constitutional safeguards and attracts criminal liability under the provisions of the JJ Act and BNS,” the notice stated.
In exercise of powers under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the Commission has directed the four respondents to show cause as to why appropriate legal action and recommendation for initiation of proceedings under relevant provisions of law should not be taken against them.
The reply has to be submitted within 7 days.
OSCPCR has also directed the Jharsuguda Collector, Superintendent of Police and the CWC Chairperson to inquire into the matter and take appropriate action under applicable provisions of law against persons found responsible.
An Action Taken Report has been sought within 7 days.
The Commission, constituted under Section 17 of the CPCR Act 2005, is mandated to monitor implementation of child-related laws including the RTE Act 2009, POCSO Act 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act 2015, and to conduct suo-motu inquiries into violations of child rights.
