Bhubaneswar, July 11: Taking a serious note of participation and engagement of minor girl children in a political rally organised by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Jharsuguda district recently, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) on Friday issued show-cause notices to BJD president Naveen Patnaik and three other party leaders to explain as to why legal action shall not be initiated against them.

Besides, Patnaik, show-cause notices were issued to former Jharsuguda MLA Deepali Das, former Brajarajnagar MLA Alaka Mohnaty and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal State president Ipshitaa Sahoo on Friday.

Acting on a complaint filed by Jhasaketan Pradhan, Ayush Saraf and Shriyam Mohapatra, the Commission has asked the leaders to submit their reply within seven days.

“Prima facie such involvement of children in political activities and exposing them to unsafe conditions causing an unsuitable environment affecting their health, safety, dignity and well-being and interruption of their right to attend school and receive education which raises serious concerns regarding violation of the provisions of child protection laws and constitutional safeguards which attract criminal liability under the provision of JJ Act and BNS,” the Commission said.

“Therefore, in exercise of powers and functions vested upon the Commission under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, directs the respondent No. 1 to 4 to show cause as to why appropriate legal action and recommendation for initiation of proceedings under the relevant provisions of law shall not be taken against them for allegedly involving minor girl children in the aforesaid political rally/protest and exposing them to unsafe conditions. The show cause reply is to be submitted before the Commission within 07 days henceforth,” the child rights body said.

The Commission also directed Jharsuguda Collector, SP and Child District Welfare Committee Chairperson to inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action under applicably provision of laws against persons found responsible and submit action taken report within seven days.