New Delhi, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday summoned the Delhi Police Commissioner over the delay in submitting an Action Taken Report (ATR) in a case involving allegations that paid Instagram advertisements were used to promote Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and redirect users to Telegram channels where such content was allegedly being sold.
The NHRC, headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo, had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of media reports by the BBC World Service alleging that advertisements using terms such as “rape video” and “child video” appeared on Instagram and remained accessible despite being reported through the platform’s grievance mechanism.
The Commission had issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner on July 8 under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, directing submission of an ATR within 15 days.
After the report was not received, the NHRC issued a reminder on July 29, granting an additional seven days and warning that coercive measures could be initiated.
Taking serious note of the continued delay, the Commission on Wednesday directed issuance of summons to the Delhi Police Commissioner. The Commissioner has been asked to appear personally before the NHRC on September 7 at 11.30 am at Manav Adhikar Bhawan, New Delhi, along with the pending report and an explanation for the delay.
The NHRC, however, stated that personal appearance would not be required if the report is submitted by August 31.
The summons warned that failure to comply without lawful justification could invite consequences under Order 16 Rule 10 and Order 16 Rule 12 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).
Earlier, while taking cognisance of the allegations, the NHRC had termed the matter one of “exceptional gravity”, involving alleged online sexual exploitation of children, circulation and monetisation of CSAM, possible organised criminal activity through digital platforms, and concerns regarding intermediary responsibility and child safety mechanisms.
The Commission had said the allegations required examination under laws including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
The NHRC had directed the Delhi Police to conduct an urgent inquiry and submit details regarding preservation of electronic evidence, identification of victims and accused persons, compliance by Meta and other intermediaries with mandatory reporting obligations under the POCSO Act, registration of criminal cases wherever required, tracking of financial transactions linked to the advertisements, and steps taken for rescue, rehabilitation and protection of child victims.
It had also asked police to examine whether Meta Platforms Inc., its officials and other intermediaries fulfilled their legal obligations under the POCSO Act and initiate action if any violation was found.
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