TNCRW Demands Action Against Minister P. Viswanathan For Touching Girl Athletes' Legs

The Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch (TNCRW) has formally petitioned the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to take action against Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan. The complaint stems from a recent incident at a Government School in Melur, Madurai, where the minister touched the legs and cracked the toes of girl athletes.

In a letter addressed to the national commission, the TNCRW requested that the body take suo moto cognisance of the case. The activist group has also called for an official report from the Tamil Nadu state government regarding the minister's actions during the school event.

According to the child rights body, the incident took place during a school programme. Minister Viswanathan approached a group of young girl athletes who were seated. While conversing with them, the minister proceeded to touch their outstretched legs and crack their toes.

TNCRW convener Jesu Rathinam stressed that the incident directly impacts the safety and rights of children. Rathinam stated that the matter concerns the fundamental obligation of the State and all public authorities to protect children.

"Every allegation involving the physical boundaries of children deserve prompt, transparent, and independent scrutiny so that public confidence in child protection mechanisms is maintained," Rathinam said in the letter.

The group has also called for immediate police involvement. TNCRW co-convenor A. Devaneyan stated that the commission should direct the Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police to ensure that the matter is thoroughly examined. Devaneyan added that if the facts disclose a cognisable offence, a First Information Report (FIR) must be registered and an impartial investigation conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable laws.

Furthermore, the TNCRW urged the NCPCR to recommend appropriate protocols for all government departments, educational institutions, and organisers of public events involving children. The group stated that these protocols are necessary to ensure that future interactions by public officials strictly respect children’s bodily autonomy, consent, dignity, and child protection norms.