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NALSA Conference in Hyderabad: Telangana CM, Justice Vikram Nath Call for Child-Friendly Justice
The South Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing for Children in Cyberspace,” held in Hyderabad on , has set a clear agenda for tackling the rising tide of online crimes against children. Organised by the in collaboration with the , the conference brought together judges, state chief ministers, union ministers, and legal services authorities from eight states and union territories. The overarching theme—“ and Rehabilitate”—underscored the need for a holistic, child-centric approach to justice in cyberspace.
A Unified Call for Systemic Change
In his keynote address, Judge and Executive Chairman of NALSA, Justice Vikram Nath, delivered a stark warning about the misuse of social media, messaging applications, and online games. He observed that these platforms, while offering learning opportunities, also expose children to sexual grooming, blackmail, and cyberbullying. More alarmingly, he noted that artificial intelligence is being misused to fabricate sexual images of children, stressing that “the harm caused to a child remains real even when an image is fabricated.”
Justice Nath called for “,” a framework where extends from awareness and reporting through to representation, protection, and rehabilitation. He emphasised that the first response when a child discloses harm is critical and must be . “The shame belongs to the person who exploits and not to the child who suffers,” he stated, reinforcing the need to uphold the dignity of survivors.
Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, drawing a parallel to Mahatma Gandhi’s use of law to serve the weak, highlighted that the framework for addressing online crimes must focus on prevention, protection, and speedy justice. He urged parents to be curious rather than judgmental about their children’s online activities and reminded the audience that “justice is not confined to conviction but is also about restoration.”
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, stressed that child welfare is an investment in nation-building. He called for digital literacy among children, parents, and teachers, and emphasised the need for accessible and child-friendly legal processes, supported by trained lawyers and assistance under NALSA’s framework.
Judicial Perspectives on Cyber Threats and Child Dignity
Several judges shared their insights on the evolving landscape of cyber offences against children. Justice Alok Aradhe highlighted the complexities of and investigation, urging community-based protection and free . Justice R. Mahadevan underscored the agency and dignity of children, noting that legal services institutions must empower young victims. Justice P.S. Narasimha described children as “humanity’s greatest asset” and stressed the importance of time, care, and attention from parents and teachers.
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice of the and Patron-in-Chief of TGSLSA, in his welcome address, emphasised that ensuring for every child is a collective responsibility. He highlighted the role of legal services institutions in bridging the gap between the justice delivery system and vulnerable communities.
Technical Sessions: Deep Dive into Prevention and Response
The conference featured four thematic technical sessions that examined the impact of digital platforms on children, emerging cyber threats, early detection and intervention, and age- and gender-appropriate preventive measures. Deliberations covered , , , , , and . Emphasis was placed on , rescue, protection, rehabilitation, and coordinated institutional action.
Particular attention was given to challenges surrounding , investigation, and trial procedures. Speakers stressed the need for protecting child identity throughout the legal process, ensuring access to , and providing . were identified as essential to prevent .
New Initiatives Launched at the Conference
The inaugural session saw the launch of several key initiatives. Chief Minister Reddy unveiled the TGSLSA (Freedom from Bonded Labour , Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration) Scheme, 2026, a significant step toward addressing bonded labour among children. A “Commitment Wall” bearing the theme “We commit. We Act. We Protect” was inaugurated, with dignitaries signing it to symbolise their collective resolve.
Justice Vikram Nath flagged off “Nyaya Ratham – Justice at the Doorstep,” a Mobile Lok Adalat Van designed to bring legal services closer to communities, making justice accessible, affordable, and expeditious. He also released the Telugu edition of the “Compendium of NALSA Schemes,” published by TGSLSA, aimed at making legal services schemes easier for the public to understand and access.
On the second day, Judge Justice V. Mohana released sensitisation material on “Cyber Crime, Online Child Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking and Sale of Children” for the benefit of the public, including children and parents. An awareness poster on “Cyber Crime and Child Online Sexual Abuse” was also unveiled by Justice Alok Aradhe.
Legal Implications: Beyond Criminal Law
Justice Vikram Nath, during the conference, stressed that criminal law alone cannot secure a safe digital childhood. He outlined the conference theme as an institutional framework: prevention through regional-language legal literacy; protection through clear referral pathways; investigation through and coordination with forensic agencies; early through trained ; and rehabilitation through counselling, educational support, and follow-up beyond legal proceedings.
This framework has significant implications for legal practice. It calls for enhanced training of lawyers in digital forensics and advocacy. It also necessitates closer collaboration between legal services authorities, police, cyber crime cells, and child welfare committees. The emphasis on rehabilitation beyond conviction shifts the focus from to , aligning with international child protection standards.
A Collective Commitment to Child Safety
The conference concluded with participation from Member Secretaries of State Legal Services Authorities, District Judges, Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities, law officers of the , and other dignitaries. The TGSLSA noted that the active participation of delegates contributed to the success of the event.
The Hyderabad conference marks a pivotal moment in India’s response to cyber crimes against children. By bringing together top judicial officers, policymakers, and legal services institutions, NALSA has laid the groundwork for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. The call for “” is not merely a slogan but a roadmap for transforming how the justice system interacts with vulnerable children in the digital age. As Justice Nath aptly put it, the shame belongs to the exploiter, not the child—and the legal system must reflect that truth at every step.
