New Delhi, September 25, 2026: The Supreme Court has sought detailed information from the Centre on steps taken to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation material from being circulated on online platforms. The court has given the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Law and Justice a final opportunity to file their responses.
The Supreme Court bench asked the Centre to clarify what steps have been taken so far to implement the directions issued by the court in September 2024. The court also wants to know what arrangements have been made to make the identification, reporting and removal of objectionable material on online platforms and social media companies more effective.
During the hearing, the court emphasised the need for an effective and coordinated mechanism to prevent the online circulation of material involving the sexual exploitation of children. With the growing use of digital platforms, preventing the spread of such material remains an important issue related to law enforcement and child protection.
The court has asked the concerned ministries to provide a clear account of the steps taken in their report. This is expected to include details regarding online content monitoring, action after complaints are received and coordination between the agencies concerned.
In September 2024, the Supreme Court, while interpreting legal provisions related to child sexual abuse material, had said that viewing, displaying or transmitting such material could also constitute an offence under the law depending on the circumstances. The court had stressed the need for relevant institutions to take necessary steps for child protection.
During the recent hearing, the Centre informed the court that necessary steps were being taken in this direction. The government also informed the court that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was being prepared to streamline the process.
The Centre will now have to submit a detailed response and information on the steps taken before the court. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 15, 2026. The court may decide the further course of action based on the Centre’s report at that hearing.
