The Supreme Court on Thursday gave the Central government one last opportunity to explain the steps taken to implement its directions concerning the mandatory reporting of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) by social media intermediaries.
A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a matter concerning implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment in Just Rights for Children Alliance v. S. Harish.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Supreme Court seeks implementation report on CSEAM reporting
Location: New Delhi
Authority/Organisation: Supreme Court of India
Action Taken: Centre given a final opportunity to file its counter-affidavit and action-taken report
Impact: MeitY and Law Ministry must explain measures taken and proposed safeguards for social media platforms
The court noted that despite its earlier direction of August 14, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Law and Justice had not filed the required counter-affidavit or action-taken report.
Describing the matter as extremely serious, the Bench granted the two ministries a final opportunity to place their responses on record.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, told the court that the government was taking the issue seriously. The government also informed the Bench that proceedings had already been initiated against one company after a notice was issued.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The proceedings place the focus on how effectively India's existing legal framework is being implemented by online platforms when potentially illegal child sexual exploitation material is detected. The court's direction also brings attention to the need for a consistent reporting mechanism, preservation of relevant digital evidence and coordination between platforms and law-enforcement agencies.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explain the measures taken to implement its earlier directions aimed at curbing the circulation of CSEAM through social media platforms.
The government has also been asked to indicate the precautions proposed for the future to prevent lapses by social media intermediaries. The court further directed that a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for dealing with CSEAM cases should be provided several days before the next hearing so that the petitioner can submit its comments and suggestions.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 15, 2026.
