Letter to Chief Justice of India regarding porno materials in internet

To                                                                                                                    8^th March 2013

Hon’ble Justice Altamas Kabir,

Chief Justice of India

Supreme Court of India

New Delhi.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Pornographic contents of young girls in internet – reg

In the midst of cries and demands for justice for the victims of sexual violence in the country, I would like to bring into your kind notice that porn photographs and videos of girls as young as 13 years are readily available in the web. After a point raised in the discussion on child abuse held in Bangalore in a workshop on girl children last week, I browsed Google and typed ‘teen sex’ and to my shock, the sites having porn videos and photographs of girl children opened. The most disgusting and dangerous aspect is Google has shown pictures of old men having sex with girls as young as 12 -14 years. Every picture has ‘catchy’ caption too!

Such porn photos and videos are available on a click for anyone. As a father of a girl child and a child rights activist, I am afraid of the consequences of access to such materials in internet for anyone. The clippings in the internet would create an impression among the viewers that young children also could be sexually used. The objectionable materials, not only do have nude portrayals but tempting explanations as well. This could, consciously or unconsciously, lead many of the internet savvy adults and youngsters into crime against young girl children. The incessant reports of sexual crimes against girl children indicate that it has linkage with such materials. Why does the society need such materials after all?

When there are countries which have completely banished such materials in internet, why can’t India where violence agaisnt women and girl children is on increase? I think all such materials on children have to be removed from the web world. I earnestly pray for strict guidelines from the apex court to the internet service providers in India to do away with all porno materials on children. I feel it would be appropriate if this is adhered to while framing the Rules of the latest Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012.

Looking forward to your kind and judicious decision in this regard,

With anguish and concern,

P.P.BABURAJ

Director, People’s Legal Forum.