The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, and district authorities in Samastipur after receiving a complaint that a viral election song, allegedly circulated by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers, promotes caste-based hatred and features minor children for political propaganda.

A Bench headed by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the complaint, which claimed that the widely circulated video from Samastipur shows minor children performing provocative political slogans aimed at advancing the RJD’s political interests.

According to the complaint, the song’s language and tone are “provocative, divisive, and intended to deepen caste-based hostility.” It also alleged that involving minors in such a video constitutes exploitation and violates provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The complainant further argued that exposing children to caste-based political narratives endangers their psychological well-being and undermines democratic and constitutional values enshrined in Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution.

Seeking an impartial probe, the complaint urged identification of those responsible for producing and disseminating the video, along with strict legal action to prevent political parties—particularly the RJD—from using minors in any future caste-based or hate-driven propaganda.

Finding the allegations prima facie indicative of human rights violations, the NHRC observed that the incident appears to contravene both the JJ Act, 2015, and the Election Commission of India’s guidelines prohibiting the use of children in election campaigns.

The Commission has directed the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, the District Election Commissioner-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Samastipur, and the Superintendent of Police, Samastipur, to investigate the matter and take immediate action to prevent further exploitation of minors.

Authorities have also been instructed to safeguard the rights of the children involved under the JJ Act and provide counselling to them and their parents or guardians, if necessary.

The NHRC has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for further consideration.