Coimbatore Police File FIRs Against DMK Over Minor Involvement in Election Campaigns
The Coimbatore city police have taken legal action by registering two First Information Reports (FIRs) against functionaries of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The charges stem from allegations that these individuals involved minor boys and girls in election campaigns within the Coimbatore South assembly constituency. This constituency is where former minister V Senthil Balaji is the DMK candidate, adding a significant political dimension to the case.
Viral Social Media Videos Trigger Police Action
As political parties across the state have ramped up their electioneering efforts, social media has become a key battleground. In this context, videos featuring minor children appealing to voters to support Senthil Balaji in the Coimbatore South constituency went viral on various platforms. These clips, which showed young boys and girls actively campaigning, quickly drew public attention and raised legal concerns.
The police responded by filing the FIRs under Section 171(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, which pertains to undue influence at an election. The DMK functionaries named in the reports have not yet been located by authorities, complicating the investigation. A senior police officer emphasized that all political entities and candidates must strictly avoid engaging children in any election-related activities to comply with the law.
Legal Framework and Child Protection Violations
According to the senior officer, it is crucial to ensure that no provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, are breached during election campaigns. Political parties are explicitly prohibited from using children in any form of election campaign or rally, including tasks such as distributing posters or pamphlets. The officer outlined specific prohibitions: children should not be involved in shouting slogans, participating in campaign rallies, or attending election meetings. Furthermore, candidates and parties must refrain from using children for campaigning, canvassing, carrying them in their arms, transporting them in vehicles, or incorporating them into any promotional activities.
Cybercrime Concerns and Model Code of Conduct
A cybercrime police officer highlighted that authorities have been receiving numerous requests to block social media content related to these incidents. He noted that political parties are uploading videos of children endorsing their respective parties, which constitutes a violation of election laws. The officer warned that if any party is found to have violated the model code of conduct, a formal case will be filed against them. This underscores the broader effort to maintain electoral integrity and protect minors from exploitation in the political arena.
The situation in Coimbatore reflects growing scrutiny over the use of social media in elections and the ethical boundaries of campaign strategies. As the investigation continues, police are urging all political stakeholders to adhere to legal standards and prioritize child welfare in their electoral activities.
