DEHRADUN — In a stern push for accountability and the meticulous handling of legal evidence, Dr. Geeta Khanna, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), has issued a high-level advisory regarding the preservation of digital evidence in cases involving minors.
Speaking at a press conference in Dehradun, Dr. Khanna emphasized that the integrity of surveillance footage is non-negotiable when investigating sensitive matters. Her statement comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media and the potential tampering of technical evidence in local judicial matters.
“Evidence Must Remain Intact”
Dr. Khanna specifically addressed the role of CCTV technology in residential areas, highlighting it as a vital tool for ensuring the safety of children and identifying potential threats. She warned against any attempts to manipulate or delete footage that could serve as crucial evidence in ongoing investigations.
The Chairperson’s remarks underscore a broader mission to ensure that “technical evidence” matches “manual statements.” By ensuring that residential entry and exit points are monitored and the data is preserved, the Commission aims to create a deterrent against those who might exploit procedural gaps.
Key Directives from the SCPCR
| Priority Area | Action Required |
| CCTV Integrity | Mandatory periodic checks of residential surveillance systems. |
| Video Protection | Immediate securing of footage following any reported incident involving a minor. |
| Privacy Compliance | Ensuring that while evidence is gathered, the identity of the minor remains protected. |
| Digital Literacy | Educating community leaders on the legal repercussions of evidence tampering. |
A Rise in Reported Concerns
The Commission’s proactive stance is backed by recent data highlighting a significant shift in the safety landscape for children in the state. Recent reports suggest a 54.4% increase in crimes against children in Uttarakhand, a statistic Dr. Khanna attributes to a combination of modern social pressures and the breakdown of traditional communal monitoring.
Dr. Khanna also took the opportunity to remind the public and law enforcement agencies about the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. She noted that the circulation of videos or images that could identify a minor victim is a serious legal violation. The Commission is currently monitoring several instances where digital content was leaked online, potentially compromising the psychological well-being of the children involved.
Strengthening Community Vigilance
The SCPCR is now advocating for a collaborative approach between Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local police. The goal is to standardize how CCTV data is stored and who has access to it, preventing unauthorized “leaks” that could be used for political or social leverage.
“Justice for a child begins the moment a camera records the truth,” a spokesperson for the Commission added. “When we allow evidence to be tampered with, we are not just failing a case; we are failing a future citizen.”
Looking Forward
Dr. Geeta Khanna confirmed that the Commission will be conducting surprise inspections and audits of various residential and educational facilities to ensure compliance with safety protocols. The SCPCR remains committed to its mandate of advising the state government on better health, education, and development policies for children, with a renewed focus on digital safety in 2026.
As Uttarakhand continues to urbanize, the Commission believes that technology, when used ethically and protected legally, will be the cornerstone of a safer environment for every child in the state.
